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Homosexual Teenagers: Sexual Orientation
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Homosexual relationships cover an entire range of commitments, just as heterosexual relationships do. Some homosexuals marry heterosexuals and raise families; some form long-lasting and committed homosexual relationships. Some homosexuals may enter marriage to hide their orientation to meet the expectations of family and friends. Other homosexuals may enter marriage in an attempt to "cure" their sexual orientation. Many of these marriages will exist for a lifetime, whether or not the spouse learns of their partner's sexual orientation. Other marriages are at high risk for failure as it becomes increasingly difficult for the spouse with a same-sex orientation to be less than honest with their partner.
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The most important step that teenagers, heterosexual as well as homosexual, can take is to appreciate themselves and celebrate their unique gifts and talents. Sexuality may be only one component of a person, but it can be a defining one. Accepting sexual orientation as a wonderful part of who you are is healthy and vital step in emotional growth. Although it is perfectly normal to feel confused and scared about sexuality and sexual orientation, it is important for gay teens to accept themselves without limitations.
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Society's maltreatment of homosexual people ranges from subtle put-downs to public acts of violence. Because of social intolerance, teenagers with same-sex attractions are at risk for developing other psycho-social problems, such as depression, anxiety, loneliness, poor self-image, and lack of confidence. Confusion about sexual orientation, coupled with fears of disapproval or rejection, often leaves them feeling that they have no options and no one to turn to for support. Heterosexual youth who are subjected to similar forms of ostracism, discrimination, social isolation and violence are at equal risk of developing similar psycho-social problems.
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Titled “The New Gay Teenager,” the session was based on a book by Ritch Savin-Williams, an openly homosexual professor at Cornell University. Class discussion centered on whether embracing labels based on sexual orientation is beneficial or harmful to homosexual teenagers. The Burrows allege that two homosexual individuals, one of whom tried to convince their son to open a gay and lesbian club at his high school, taught the seminar.
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It is very important to distinguish between homosexual feelings, and homosexual behaviors. Many people of both genders experiment with their sexuality during adolescence. Many gay people date persons of the opposite sex, to try to 'fit in'. Many heterosexuals will have at least one homosexual experience. This does not per se establish sexual orientation. A homosexual, then, is a person whose fundamental sexual attraction is to people of his or her own gender.
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It seems appropriate to understand sexual orientation (heterosexual or homosexual) as a deep-seated dimension of one's personality and to recognize its relative stability in a person. A homosexual orientation produces a stronger emotional and sexual attraction toward individuals of the same sex, rather than toward those of the opposite sex. It does not rule out interest in, care for, and attraction toward members of the opposite sex.
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