Causes of same-sex attraction

NARTH has a nice reprint of an original article from The Catholic Standard & Times which discusses the roots of homosexuality.  The author, Dr. Richard Fiztgibbons, contributed to the Catholic booklet on this issue called Homosexuality and Hope.

The main section titles are:

• Weak Masculine/Feminine Identity
• Distrust of Men/Women
• Gender Identity Disorder
• Narcissism and Profound Selfishness
• Dysfunctional Family Life

What is interesting to me is that, even though studies prove that gays have a much higher background of dysfunctional family life, and esp. sexual molestation, when you mention these causative factors, there are always a few people who will say "I am gay, and I didn't have any of those.  I had a great upbringing, no molestation, and I have a good relationship with my father." 

Regarding such claims, I would like to suggest:

• studies show that such people are the EXCEPTION to the rule, and so their existence does NOT prove that the assertions made regarding the roots of homsexuality are not true, only that they need more study - there may be other factors
• there are other less frequent, but equally important proposed causative factors, such as problems with peer interaction (e.g. skipping a grade and so being physically and socially behind one's peers) that can lead to same sex attraction
• some of the people that claim that they had no such causative factors are often unconsciously or consciously ignoring the (often negative) factors in their lives that they KNOW affected or injured them emotionally, and led to their gender preferences.

One of the things I appreciate about Catholics, despite their sometimes awful history of theological error and abuse, is their deep intellectual tradition (in certain pockets of theologically 'purer' Catholic Christianity), coupled with their desire to serve humanity.  Hence, the title of their booklet, Homosexuality and HOPE.

And this is the crux of the Christian approach to homosexuality - not just that it is a big SIN, but that it is a malady for which there is reason to hope - for those who recognize it as a deep emotional dysfunction, there is hope for change, and those who deny such are really denying hope to millions of gays who want to change.  Science has not proven that homosexuality is irreversible, nor that it is purely genetic - quite the opposite, as the recent Spitzer review of the literature confirms.

CONCLUSION

Until we have more definite science, we need to allow people the freedom to explore 'recovery' from homosexuality, even if some think it not possible. And for those concerned with abuse in ex-gay therapy, physicians who practice ex-gay therapy have proposed the following ethical guidelines:

• An ethical framework within which [reparative] therapy
• Sexual identity therapy: Practice guidelines for managing sexual identity conflicts (Dr. Throckmorton)

RELATED POSTS

• Critical Factors in Gay Recovery
• Longitudinal Study Validates Ex-gay Therapy
• Can Gays Change?
• The Psychology Behind Homosexual Tendencies
• Root Causes of Male Homosexuality
• Treatment of Male Homosexuality
• How Politics Guides Psychological Policy

Comments

[Louis]

I see, NARTH is quoting a Catholic article purporting to explain the "causes" of hx? HA HA HA! Both are xian organizations virulently opposed to gay people and gay rights. Why would any reasonable person pay any attention whatsoever to this bilge (unless they are already a convinced opponent of gay people like seeker)?

Just more christianist propaganda.

[seeker]

They are Catholic, but they are also physicians. Don't you trust science? I mean, surely their world view or political persuasion would not affect their interpretation of data ;).

I understand your assertions that you have no reason to believe them, but if and when they back their own assertions with data, they deserve a listen, no matter what their 'orientation' is.

And again, my point is not really made for people who are hardened against reparative therapy, but for those who are looking for a way out of their same sex attraction, and for those looking for a scientific and biblical view. There are many in they valley of decision. and they need information, not the politics of either extreme. I want to give them information, while you would like to take it away, it seems.

[Louis]

Wow! How virtuous you are, seeker. I am overwhelmed by your humanitarian greatness! What a source to cite, the Roman Catholic Church! Of course, they have no ax to grind. Maybe you should cite them on boy screwing as well. And while you're at it, please cite Haggard and the rest on sexual virtue. After all, xians can throw stones since you are without sin.

First you terrorize gay xians, and then pretend to offer "reparative therapy" to "free" them. What a wonderful philosophy you follow. Thank God I'm am not an xian as I would be in danger of becoming as damned a child of hell as you.

[seeker]

Defend your opinion however you like. Ad hominem attacks rather than dealing with ideas shows either the weakness of your arguments or your character.

[Louis]

Oh, boo-hoo! Everything you write about gays is an ad hominem attack. It's pointless to use reason with you on this topic because your position is irrational, based on religious bigotry and personal ignorance/hatred. You literally refuse to listen. Therefore, all that's left that is appropriate is mockery and sarcasm. It's all you deserve.