questions

This is perhaps the first question an individual questioning or perturbed by their sexual orientation might ask. The question or frustration may begin as a noticeable lack of interest in the opposite gender along with either a subtle or an overt interest in member(s) of the same gender.

But physical/sexual acts between members of the same gender do not make the involved individuals necessarily homosexual, or lesbian, gay, bisexual, etc.

No authority is in a position to tell you whether you are homosexual, gay, lesbian or bisexual. Only the person who is experiencing such an attraction is in a position to make this decision to label oneself.

Different lesbian, gay, and bisexual people have very different experiences regarding their sexual orientation. Some people know that they are lesbian, gay, or bisexual for a long time before they actually pursue relationships with other people. Others engage in sexual activity (with same-sex and/or othersex partners) before assigning a clear label to their sexual orientation.

Prejudice and discrimination make it difficult for many people to come to terms with their sexual orientation and identities, so claiming a lesbian, gay, or bisexual identity can often be a slow and painful process.

No. Homosexuality is about feeling affection, love and sexual attraction towards members of the same gender. Sex is an important part of healthy relationships but it is not the centre of them. Besides, if homosexual relationships are all about just sex, and not love, then why did the following chose to remain together for huge spans of their lives?

Homosexual behaviour is extensively found in nature. “It has been observed in: antelopes, boars, bulls, chimpanzees, cows, ducks, cats, dogs, fruit flies, geese, gorillas, gulls, horses, humans, langurs, rams, sheep, macaques, monkeys, turkeys and vervets.” ²

According to research conducted by Bruce Bagemihl, a biologist from Seattle, Washington, at least 5% of Humboldt penguin pairs he observed in a zoo were gay. In his book, he has surveyed homosexual and transgender behaviours among 190 species, such as butterflies and other insects.³

Another source states that “Homosexuality exists in proven ratios in all mammal species….It is as natural as blue eyes, left-handedness, or the genetic predisposition to walk on two legs.” ⁴

It is interesting to note that the Greek philosopher Aristotle noted apparent homosexual behaviour among hyenas about 2300 years ago.⁵

Males with feminine traits are not necessarily homosexual or gay, and likewise females with masculine traits are not necessarily homosexual or lesbian. For instance, if the following two pictures are observed it would be wrong to conclude that the man on the left is straight and the man on the right is gay. The man on the left is Sir Ian Mckellan, an actor who is gay, and the man on the right is Marilyn Manson, a musician who is straight.