Can sexual orientation be changed?

Question

We are doing a presentation in our college class, "The Biology of Human Sexuality" and this is one of the topics the our group was given to research! All opions will be helpful! :)

Answer 1

The "therapies" and "ministries" that aim to do this teach shame and concealment, and they have a very high dropout rate.

Answer 2

Although the origins of sexual orientation are unclear - genetic, environmental, or a combination - the psychological community seem to be decided that once set in your early years (pre-puberty) sexual orientation is fixed and cannot be changed.

However, humans are able to control their actions, and in doing so hide their orientation. The 'reparitive therapy' right wing religious groups say that orientation can be changed through their brain-washing programs - however, all the evidence suggests that once out of that cult-like setting, people revert to their natural orientation.

Remember too that Kinsey concluded few people are completely homosexual or heterosexual - most people are somewhere on a continuum between those extremes. This means that a mostly gay man can still perform sex acts with a woman; this makes it easier for men who are uncomfortable for societal reasons with their gay orientation to assume the role of a heterosexual married man. This doesn't change their underlying orientation, just their presentation within society.

Again, most men in that kind of closeted environment will continue to have extra-marital affairs with men (the 'down-low' phenomenon) or else the marriage will break down and the newly divorced man can pursue his true self with the fall back of "I'm not gay, I'm divorced".

Try the APA for research papers - see the link below.

Answer 3

For a college class I think you need to find some research studies on the subject. But I as a layman say no. I have heard of some people who switched. But there seems to be like a sliding scale of sexual orientation. So that some people might find them selves in the middle somewhere so that they can go either way. Did you know when a person has a bone marrow transplant they take on the likes and dislike of the person they received the transplant from. Maybe you can change a person’s sexual orientation by giving them a bone marrow transplant.
I married a women who had two son, one of the boy seem gay at three years old, as he grew the grandparents said “ get that boy in football” but all their efforts failed he’s now a young man and sure enough Gay.

Answer 4

No, no more than natural handedness can be changed.

Even if a natually left handed person has been forced to use their right hand, that doesn't change what hand that person is oriented to use...therefore sexuality cannot be changed.

A homosexual can be forced or encouraged to behave as if he/she was actually a heterosexual, but that never changes their natual orientation. They're simply a homosexual living a lie.

I would also like to add that ORIENTATION and PREFERANCE are NOT the same thing. Those who use these terms interchangabley are mistaken.
Perferance suggests some level of choice.
For instance, I prefer outgoing personalities, but I actuall fell in love with an introvert, I have no desire to change who I love because she isn't an extrovert.
While Orientation suggests no chioce. Another example: I am oriented towards other women sexually. I have been married to a man, but only because I felt it was necessary to do so due to peer pressure and the need to "fit in." I still had feelings for women even while married. I could not rid myself of these feelings no matter what I choose to do.
My natural attractions were/are towards women.

Answer 5

I believe one is born with their sexual preferences in place. I believe under certain circumstances a person may accept or give affection and relief for sexual frustrations through same sex encounters, but will not continue with that activity when it is no longer necessary. Those people may be depressed regarding having participated in these activities. Born homosexuals are depressed only until they have the freedom to be with the gender they prefer without condemnation.
I know from personal observation transgendered persons realize they are in "the wrong body" from ages as early as 4 or 5 years. I could give specific examples of two people I know who because of the time they were born lived and fantasized in private regarding their "true self". What they presented to the world was a facade. One of these persons was male, the other female. As adults,they were both professional military and both attained high level of rank, Colonel, and Commander. They each were highly respected in their position and accomplishments. Anyone who knew them well would see the "real person" underneath. What a sad and difficult life to have to live a life in the closet! Both of these people are in their 70's now and retired.

Answer 6

I'm not sure that sexual orientation can be changed if you mean can it be changed by the intervention of others, counselling etc. Sexual orientation or sexuality is inherent and will remain as part of ones psyche regardless of how it is externalised. Further, sexuality is "liquid" and may focus on other forms of expression throughout ones lifetime, however, it is likely that one will return to ones inherent sexual orientation at the end of the day. Good luck with your presentation.

Answer 7

I htink on some level humans can be attracted to both in some way. For instance a Gay male who may merry a woman, for reasons of using her as a beard or a surrogate mother. But I think on some level their had to be some attraction in order for them to have sexual relations. Even if ie a small level their is still something getting the man excited or aroused enough to perform. Its even possible for him to Love her but not be in Love with her. But no there is no such thing as Bisexuality. YOu cant change, at least for men. Women are and can be different. Ive seen women turn to lesbianism due to the fact that they have had many bad relationships with men.

Answer 8

This depends on which side u are on... because we don't know if we can change it or not

let's say u say that being gay is innate.. then there would be a controversy... let's say someone was born gay, then this question is saying, can his gayness go away? which is like taking away his/her identity.. also in this case, gay marriage would be alright

let's say u say that being gay is a choice.. then itz like saying.. all the gay men are shameful and they should all change back to str8. and gay marriage would be wrong in this situation.

according to the previous studies.. i think it's innate... the whole animal testing and stuff

Answer 9

Hello!! :o) I think anything is possible. So YES - sexual orientation can change. In fact - for many people - throughout their lives - their orientation DOES change. Craig!! :o)

Answer 10

No. All straight people need to do is consider what it would take for them to change their own sexuality. Most would admit it would be impossible, it is no different for members of the GLBT community.

Answer 11

Think of orientation like your most base feelings - fear, anger, cold/hot, hungry, happy, love, etc. It's your choice what to do with your feelings but reality is that you don't get to decide which feelings you have or when you have them. They just are what they are and happen when they do. Your only choice there is either to accept them and seek to understand what they are telling you or to lie to yourself and try to deny them. For example, it is freezing and I have no coat. I can try to tell myself I am not cold - mind over matter - but reality remains that it is snowing, I have no coat, and I am really cold.