Is homosexuality (for men AND women) an illness?

Question

Is it abnormal?
Do I offend anyone if I say that homosexuality is an illness?
Do I offend anyone if I say that sadness (depression) is an illness?
Do you see a pattern here, so that you understand I'm not evil?
lol

PS: I am heterosexual. I just want to know what people think about this thing.

But I heard on TV when a psychiatrist said homosexuality is a disease, or illness, I forgot exactly what the word was, because it was not in English.

But nobody can convince me it is not an illness if all you say is "no, it's not".
I am from another continent than you all Americans, so I don't know what you think...

"sally", I believe ill people can't be punished for being ill with some sickness...

PPS: please excuse my English. I don't speak in English in my country. But I think I can be understood.

Answer 1

It's abnormal, certainly a mental condition but not necessarily a disease or illness.

Those of you that put stock in the opinions of the APA on this subject, I would recommend reading their FAQ on the subject. They contradict themselves multiple times. For example, they claim that homosexuality arises from environmental factors to some extent but that a person's sexuality cannot be changed. If a person's sexuality cannot be changed, then it could not "arise" from environmental factors because that is change. Then there's the famous flipflop, where they went from stating that homosexuality was entirely genetic in basis to their newer position; a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Of course, this idea of the "gay" gene has been debunked in so many ways its not even funny. There's natural selection, twin studies, and even plain common sense standing in the way of that theory.

Naturally, there are other psychologists that are more reasonable than the APA, such as NARTH.

This idea that homosexuality is "natural" because "lotsa animals do it" borders on insanity.

First off, animals also commit polygamy, eat their own feces, rape, cannibalize, and establish dominance entirely through force. Should these now also be considered justifiable human behavior based on that logic? The instances in which confused animal sexuality is found are RARE and most often found in captivity in unnatural surroundings. This behavior is typically artificial and isn't limited to homosexuality. There's also incest and bizzarre cross species sexual attempts, like the famous situation of the peacock atemption to mate with the turtles in the same exhibit in the London Zoo.

Freud determined that homosexuality was in fact a disorder stemming from a failure in development and gender confusion. I'm not sure if I share his exact view, but probably something close.

There are of course the mindless drones that reach so hard to justify homosexual behavior. They close their ears to the facts and fail to listen to reason. It's an emotional response. I know, I've been there. Having many friends from many different walks of life (yes, some of them gay), I've also fallen prey to this mislead passion and the propaganda that stirs it. To see this silliness in action, you need look no further than some of the other answers to this question.

Answer 2

As an American, I think that about half of the people believe that it is an illness and the other half feel it is a choice. Personally, for me, I believe it is a choice. This is all a matter of opinion because no one really knows. The word homosexuality is not offensive to me. I am closely acquainted with several and I don't question their choice although I wish it was not practiced because it is sinful. The issue is in the bible and according to the scriptures, these people are not doing God's will.

Answer 3

I think the only 'illness' is the prejudice and illogical thinking that revolves around attitude to sexuality. Homosexuality is about a romantic and asthetic attraction towards the same sex which is no different in 'cause' or 'reason' than a romantic and asthetic attraction towards the opposite sex. However society because of religious and ignorant belief causes us to question this, look for something more. The simple fact is sexual attraction is something as natural and innate as it is humanly possible to be. It is only our illogical beliefs that cause the issue to become more clouded. Is a religious person 'ill'? Alot of beliefs and ways of life are based on teachings and writings written thousands of years ago by men not god? We can accept that society has 'moved on' from our ancestors time, yet certain people can not accept that certain things that may have been 'acceptable' to our ancestors society in an environment that is far removed from the society we live in now is now no longer acceptable? Certain people don't have the rationality to contexualise (ie put them into the period of time and society from which they were written) ancient writings and see them for what they really are? Surely that makes a much more dangerous and 'ill' person than someone who is honest with themself and the people around them? See where I am going with this?

Answer 4

Among mental health experts, "abnormal" implies the presence of a harmful dysfunction.

The American Psychiatric Association (the folks who, literally, wrote the book defining mental illnesses), the American Psychological Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Medical Association have all affirmed that homosexuality is NOT a disorder.

FYI, sadness and depression are not the same thing. Sadness is a transient emotional state that is elicited by a particular stressor, stimulus, event, or interaction. Sadness is a normal human response to loss, disappointment, or pain; in contrast, depression is a lingering, oppressive dysphoric state that often does not have an identifiable antecedent. It has characteristic symptoms and is usually accompanied by a marked decrease in functioning.

Answer 5

The show you were watching probably had some form of ideological leniency, and subsequently stated homosexuality as deviant behavior - or disease-like.

Try and hit the books yourself. There's both sides to the argument, so make up your own opinion.

For any clear-thinking individual, your question should be a reason for dialogue, not argument.

Answer 6

Humans like to differeniate ourselves from wild animals since wild animals tend to act solely upon instinct. But, even animals can enjoy the same sex. So, if animals tend to act on instincts, why do some of them have homosexual tendencies? With that said, no, homosexuality isn't an illness. It happens and its natural.

Answer 7

no longer a psychological sickness. yet for some human beings that's a made of their ecosystem and a few annoying concern, for others that is basically the way they know. The gay men i know all of them did no longer have a father discern cutting-edge, for one in each of them his parents divorced while he became a sprint one and by no skill rather frolicked along with his father, unquestionably he nevertheless hasn't come out to him. the different 2 their fathers died while they have been rather youthful. So i think of that's from that yet howdy perchance i'm incorrect, that is basically the trend i've got observed.

Answer 8

homosexuality is part of the normal human spectrum of sexuality...depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain that can be corrected. Yes, it is offensive to say that homosexuality is an illness...an illness suggests that it may be treatable...being gay is not a treatable condition...we do not choose to ignore a treatment..that is tantamount to saying that it is a choice.

Answer 9

Yes, you do offend everyone. No, it is not a sin. God does not say that homosexuality is a sin. Depression is a mental illness. Don't compare the two, idiot.

Answer 10

It's difficult to comprehend your so-called "pattern". No offence.

The CDC , The British Psychiatry Council and The American Medical Assoc. all concur that homosexuality is not a pathological / mental disease.