Negative Cultural Stereotypes

In Western, Judeo-Christian culture, homosexual behavior has long been
considered taboo or sinful. Thus, in the United States and other predominantly
Christian cultures, homosexuality has been frowned upon, and homosexuals
have been ostracized, being seen as perverted, unnatural, or sick.
In 1974, however, the American Psychiatric Association determined that homosexuality
was not indicative of mental illness. In contrast to early twentieth
century studies of homosexuals who were either psychiatric patients or
prison inmates, later studies of a representative cross-section of people
showed that individuals with a homosexual orientation are no more likely to
suffer from mental illness than those with a heterosexual orientation.
In spite of these scientific data, many heterosexuals (especially men) still
harbor negative feelings about homosexuality. This phenomenon is called
homophobia. Some of this fear, disgust, and hatred is attributable to the incorrect
belief that many homosexuals are child molesters. In fact, more than
90 percent of pedophiles are heterosexual. Another source of homophobia
is the fear of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This deadly,
sexually transmitted disease is more easily transmitted through anal intercourse
than through vaginal intercourse and thus has spread more rapidly
among homosexuals than heterosexuals. Education about safe sex practices,
however, has dramatically reduced transmission rates in homosexual
communities.
Sexologists have not been able to avoid the political controversies surrounding
their field, making the study of a difficult subject even harder. Research
will continue, but no one should expect fast and simple explanations.
Sexuality, perhaps more than any other attribute of the human psyche, is
personal and individual. Questions about sexual orientation, sexual development,
and sexual behavior are all complex; it will take a long time to unravel
the answers.