Skip to main content
Homosexuality: Neither A Choice Nor A Disease
Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences

Homosexuality: Neither A Choice Nor A Disease

Dr. Samir Parikh Dec 13, 2013
While homosexuality has long been a subject of debate in religion, culture and even law; it was first studied as a discrete entity by the discipline of Psychology and Psychiatric Science. Till the 1970’s The DSM conceptualized homosexuality as a mental disorder and a sexual deviation. This was illustrative of the extent of stigmatization and prejudice against homosexuality of those times as both culture and science rejected homosexuality as ‘unnatural.’ However, with the evolvement of Medical Science, as well as changing views of society, we have come to understand the phenomenon of same-sex orientation in terms of genetic, hormonal, developmental, social and cultural factors. While there is no research that has been able to pin-point any one concluding factor that determines homosexuality, it is believed to be a complex interplay between genetics, hormonal and environmental factors. Today, science is able to tell us clearly that most people do not experience any choice in the matter of sexual orientation. As an official recognition of the overwhelming facts revealed by various scientific research studies that confirmed the hormonal and genetic basis of Homosexuality, it was dropped as a mental disorder, disease or sexual perversion from DSM in 1973. The clear stand of all organizations dealing mental health, including the WHO and the ICD, is that they do not recognize homosexuality as a disease or a mental disorder. Science has been effective in taking away homosexuality from the realms of morality as an individual does not ‘choose’ to be homosexual but is widely-believed to be ‘wired’ that way. It is safe to assume that being homosexual should no longer be looked at from a moral standpoint but rather that of science. And “orientation is not a matter of choice,” this is a clear fact of medical science. And what’s not a disorder, is not to be treated, more so even an attempt to treatment has no meaning, as its lack a scientific basis. Decades back people used to treat left handedness as an abnormality, and many a children were scolded, and given punishment until they were forcefully made to start becoming right-handed. It had a negative impact on hundreds of children in their growing years, and now people have accepted that handedness is not a matter of choice, and either way it is normal. In a very similar manner, today, a lot of people have not been able to understand that orientation is not a matter of choice, and it is not to be treated! Despite the growing acceptance of homosexuality as a non-pathological state by medicine and science, people with same-sex orientations are still subject to stigmatization, ridicule and isolation by society. This lack of social acceptance leads to increased susceptibility of the gay and lesbian community to depression, anxiety and other forms of mental illness. Absence of family support often deters a gay person from ‘coming out of the closet’ which can lead to a great amount of stress and feelings of guilt, frustration or sadness in the person. Regardless of our personal, religious or moral opinions about sexuality or sexual orientation, it is our responsibility as a community to create an atmosphere of acceptance and tolerance rather than beget prejudice and stigmatization of individuals we perceive to be different or in a minority.

Categories

Clear all

Meet the doctor

5961.jpg
Dr. Samir Parikh
CONSULTANT MENTAL HEALTH & BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES | Fortis Shalimar Bagh
  • Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences | Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences | Psychiatry | Clinical Psychology
  • Date 21 Years
  • INR 900

Related Blogs

View all
Are We Under Or Over Diagnosing Psychological Issues In Children - Dr. Sameer Kalani
Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences

Are We Under Or Over Diagnosing Psychological Issues In Children

Dr. SAMEER KALANI Jan 23, 2024
Healthy Coping Strategies To Adopt When You Are Overwhelmed By Your Workload
Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences

Healthy Coping Strategies To Adopt When You Are Overwhelmed By Your Workload

Dr. Samir Parikh Jan 23, 2024
Dealing With Relationships: A Guide For Young People
Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences

Dealing With Relationships: A Guide For Young People

admin Nov 08, 2023
Asking For Help - Things To Share And Consider When Seeking Help
Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences

Asking For Help - Things To Share And Consider When Seeking Help

admin Mar 18, 2023
Building Teams That Connect At Work
Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences

Building Teams That Connect At Work

admin Oct 11, 2023
How Psychological Safety Looks Like At A Workplace
Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences

How Psychological Safety Looks Like At A Workplace

admin Nov 07, 2023
How To Create A Workplace That Motivates Employees To Do Their Best
Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences

How To Create A Workplace That Motivates Employees To Do Their Best

admin May 29, 2023
How To Make A Smooth Transition To A New Job
Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences

How To Make A Smooth Transition To A New Job

admin Oct 11, 2023
Taking Care of Your Psychological Well-Being While Working
Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences

Taking Care of Your Psychological Well-Being While Working

admin Jan 29, 2024
Supporting People With Mental Health Conditions At Work
Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences

Supporting People With Mental Health Conditions At Work

admin Mar 18, 2023

Quick Enquiry Form

barqut

Keep track of your appointments, get updates & more!

app-store google-play
Request callback