Because of a comment posted to the blog of a young teenager here on Shoutpost who was looking for answers on sexual orientation and received a blatantly bigoted response, I felt the need to respond.  The following is a paper I recently wrote for one of my psychology classes on sexual orientation.  Unfortunately, in spite of what everyone thinks they know about it, even scientists still aren't quite sure of its origin.    

Introduction

According to the American Psychological Association¹, sexual orientation is defined as "feelings and self-concepts" as well as "...an enduring emotional, romantic, sexual or affectional [sic] attraction toward others...."  Further, it occurs along a continuum that includes heterosexuality (attraction to the opposite gender), homosexuality (attraction to the same gender), bisexuality (attraction to both genders), and asexuality (attraction to neither gender).

When speaking of sexual orientation, one is generally referring to orientations other than heterosexuality, i.e.: homosexuality (which will hereafter also include bisexuality and asexuality).  While heterosexuality seems to be the predominant sexual orientation (Michael, et al, 1996)², Bullough, et al (2003)³ state that at least one out of ten adults - or several million individuals out of the population in the United States -- is known to be homosexual, though the actual number is not known.

Although homosexuality seems to predominate in humanity, the animal kingdom is known, also, to exhibit a sexual orientation different than heterosexuality.   (Ford & Beach, 1951)⁴.

Brief History

The ancients (and even some modern cultures) did not have a specific term for sexual relations with someone of the same gender, though what later became known as homosexuality* has been a part of most of the worlds' cultures for thousands of years (Boswell, 1980; Halsall, 1987)⁵. 

The concept of homosexuality, in fact, was practiced openly by many up until approximately the late twelfth century when the Christian Church banned the practice as ‘unnatural' (Herek, 2006)⁶. 

Lack of Evidence for Psychopathology in Homosexuality

According to Ford and Beach (1951), homosexuality in some form was considered acceptable and even normal in nearly 64% of the 76 societies studied. 

Approximately six years later, Evelyn Hooker, PhD (1957)⁷ published the first empirical study that ultimately showed that homosexuality does not have a psychopathological origin.  Since that time, scientists have still not been able to identify psychopathological causal factors (Wade & Tavris, 2005; Gonsiorek, 1982)⁸.  Given that this is the case, what has been determined?

*The term "homosexual" was coined in 1869 by the writer/lawyer, Karl Maria Kertbeny (1824-1882). 

Biological Causal Factors

While Simon LeVay (1991) and Allen & Gorski (1992)⁹ discovered a correlation between sexual orientation and specific areas of the brain in gay males, the findings were not duplicated in subsequent studies.  Later studies (Collaer & Hines, 1995; Meyer- Bahlburg, et al, 1995)¹⁰, indicated that there might be some association between masculinizing hormones such as androgyns, which caused female fetuses to become bisexual or lesbian.  Yet a further study (Peplau, et al, 2000)¹¹ revealed that not all females who are exposed to androgyns in utero become either bisexual or lesbian; nor were most lesbian or bisexual women exposed to androgyns.

Genetic Causal Factors

One of the most well-known studies in the determination of sexual orientation involved the of a genetic marker on the X chromosome in gay brothers (Hamer, et al, 1993; Hu, et al, 1995)¹².  Yet, once again, a further study (Rice, et al, 1999)¹³ of 52 pairs of gay brothers was unable to duplicate the previous findings.  Subsequent studies showed that homosexuals, in general, do not necessarily derive from gay parents, nor do they have siblings who are gay, yet they are more often likely to be heterosexual (Peplau, et al, 2000). 

Environment and Culture

Many social theorists believe that the environment in which an individual is raised can directly influence his/her sexuality (Johnson, 2003)¹⁴.  However, various studies have shown that homosexuality or the differentiation in sexual orientation is not caused by such things as being seduced by an older adult (Rind, Tromovitch & Bauserman, 1998)¹⁵, childhood same-sex play (Lamb, 2002)¹⁵, being smothered by one's mother or not having a father figure while growing up.  Additionally, neither is it a result of any experiences we might have with our parents as Freud believed.  Freud, however, did agree with Havelock Ellis who believed that homosexuality was not a disease (Herek, 2006), a conclusion with which many scientists today agree (Mondimore, 1996)¹⁶, and which was borne out in 1973 (Herek, 2006; see "Removal From the DSM") by the deletion of the DSM [Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders] entry describing homosexuality has having a pathological derivation.

Conclusion

Though there is some evidence for both  biology and genetics as well as an environmental and cultural influence as causes for the differentiation in sexual orientation, not enough evidence has been accrued to date, to prove the case satisfactorily, one way or the other.  Consequently, scientists have chosen to admit that at this point, they are unsure of the cause of homosexuality or sexual orientation (Wade & Tavris, 2005). 

References

¹American Psychological Association: What is Sexual Orientation?

² Heterosexuality as a Predominant Model in History

³Lockhaven University of Pennsylvania, Bullough, et al; Heterosexual vs. Homosexual

⁴ Ford, C.S., & Beach, F.A. (1951). Patterns of Sexual Behavior. New York: Harper & Brothers.

⁵ Boswell, J. (1980). Christianity, social tolerance and homosexuality. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

    -- Mesopotamian Law and Homosexuality, Halsall, (1987); H.W.F Saggs, The Greatest That Was Babylon, (New York: Hawthorn, 1962), 212;  

⁶Gregory M. Herek, PhD (2006); Facts Homosexuality and Mental Health

^{Footnote, p. 1}There seems to be some controversy over the exact date the word homosexuality was created.  Some sources claim 1892 as its creation date, while the majority claim 1869.

⁷  Evelyn Hooker, PhD information

⁸ Carole Wade & Carol Tavris, Psychology; Pearson Custom Publishing/Prentice Hall, 2005; 12: 448. Gonsiorek, J.C. (1982). Results of psychological testing on homosexual populations. American Behavioral Scientist, 25 (4), 385-396.

⁹ Simon LeVay, A Difference in Hypothalmic Structure Between Heterosexual and Homosexual Men 

     -- Allen, L. S.; Gorski, R. A.: Sexual orientation and the size of   the anterior commissure in the human brain. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 89:   7199-7202, 1992.

¹⁰ Collaer, M.L. & Hines, M., 1995;  Human Behavioral Sex Differences; A Role for Gonadal Hormones During Early Development? Psychological Bulletin, 118: 55-107.

     ^-- Meyer-Bahlburg, H. F. L. et al (1995); Prenatal estrogens and the development of           homosexual orientation.  Developmental Psychology, 31: 12-21.          

¹¹ Peplau, L.A. et al (2000); The Development of Sexual Orientation in Women; Annual Review of Sex Research, 10: 70-99.

¹² Hamer, D.H. et al (1993); A linkage between DNA markers on the X chromosome and male sexual orientation. Science, 261, 321-327.

     -- Hu, S., et al (1995); Linkage between sexual orientation and chromosome Xq28 in males but not in females.  Nature Genetics, 11, 248-256.

¹³ Rice,G., et al (1999); Male homosexuality: absence of linkage to microsatellite markers at Xq28; Science 284, 665-667.

¹⁴ Ryan D. Johnson, 2003; Homosexuality: Nature or Nurture; AllPsyche Journal;

¹⁵ Rind, B., Tromovitch, P., & Bauserman, R. (1998); A meta-analytic examination of assumed properties of child sexual abuse using college samples. Psychological Bulletin, 124, 22-53.

     --         Lamb, Sharon (2002) The secret lives of girls. New York: The Free Press

There seems to be no little controversy over the results of the former study, however.  See for further info.

¹⁶ Francis  Mark Mondimore, MD,  A Natural History of Homsexuality; Johns Hopkins University Press. 

===== 

Addendum:  The older I get, the more I realize that I don't know everything there is to know about anything; and in many cases I know nothing at all.  Yet it seems that so many individuals today hold such blindly dogmatic and rigid opinions and beliefs, often about subjects about which they know little or nothing themselves and haven't bothered to research.  Generally these individuals base their beliefs on what they've been taught by their parents, religious institutions, society and/or friends, rarely venturing to think outside the proverbial box. 

Oftentimes, too, many of those who slander, defame and otherwise denigrate another because of that person's sexual orientation are angry at themselves or society for various reasons.  Sometimes they're merely angry at God for seemingly forcing them into a 'mold of bitter making,' preventing them from expressing the highest aspect of their True Selves.

Often the Bible is cited as the predominant reason for shunning homosexuals or anyone who is 'different.'  And yet even that stance flies completely in the face of what Jesus Christ taught about Love and acceptance of others, including our enemies. 

What so many don't realize is that, unknowingly, you may have many friends who are homosexual or bisexual, yet you continue to associate with them.  The bigots, of course, will adamantly state that they wouldn't continue to associate with someone who was known to be homosexual.  But why?  If they were good enough to be your friend if they were heterosexual, what suddenly changed?  Those with different orientations are no different than you.

For the record:  I am bisexual and have many friends of all sexual orientations -- including heterosexuals.  And, another thing I've noticed about the majority of homosexuals is that they're generally far more open-minded, possibly because of this difference.

My wish is not to begin a flame war, but to remind us all that in order for our species and planet to survive, we must learn -- not only tolerance but -- acceptance of the differences of others.  And that includes not only another's religion, but their sexual orientation as well. 

© 2006-2007 Kat Starwolf  All Rights Reserved

Kat Starwolf is a practicing relationship and empathic counseling astrologer, researcher, metaphysician and avid reader of anything pertaining to human inter-relatedness, emotions, sexuality, sociology and psychology.  She is also currently working on her degree in counseling psychology.  Presently she lives in Tallahassee, Florida, but will soon be relocating to her hometown, Albuquerque, New Mexico.  She may be contacted at 400 Capital Circle SE, Suite 18-255, Tallahassee, Florida  32301, by phone at 850-980-0250 or via her website, http://www.starwolfastrology.com  

The following is a term paper I wrote for my college psychology course in response to the supposed 'negative' and addictive affects of marijuana.  Note the studies and URLs listed at the end of the paper which debunk much of what the American public is being told about the so-called 'dangers' of this natural substance. ~ Kat

Physiological Effects, Symptoms of Addiction and Treatment and Coping Strategies Suggested in the Termination of the Use of Marijuana

Physiological Effects

As with other psychoactive drugs, the main ingredient in marijuana, THC (delta9-tetrahydrocannobinal) affects brain neurotransmitters, specifically the membranes of nerve cells which contain protein receptors which bind to THC.  Further, THC is believed to initiate cell changes that cause marijuana smokers to experience what is known as a 'high.'

No Long-term Psychological effects cited.

Addiction

As stated in the NIDA facts, and other government and affiliated/medical research sources, long term marijuana use can lead to addiction for some people.  [italics mine]

Even according to cited government and medical authorities, there doesn't seem to be any evidence that marijuana is physiologically addictive.  Further, the fact that it can and is psychologically addictive for some individuals has been just short of proven.

Treatment

 * cognitive-behavioral group treatment (14 sessions)

 * individual interviews and advice on how to quit (2 sessions)

 * vouchers redeemable for goods and/or services

Termination of Use

Since there don't seem to be any published studies defining specific methods which would facilitate termination of use, this seems subjective.  In other words, methods used in substance abuse facilities to terminate use seem dependent on bribery, a rewards system and/or coercion.  Based on cited cases, in rare instances does termination seem to be based on an individual's choice or desire to quit.

• possible future development of medication which will block THCs intoxicating effects

Conflicting Evidence

Because the various studies conducted indicate conflicting evidence in the efficacy of marijuana use, I felt that it was necessary to include both sides of the research issue.

There is no doubt that some of the negative effects listed in the preceding tables do occur  e.g.: dry mouth, bloodshot/red eyes, distorted perception, short-term respiratory distress due to smoke inhalation, and even, arguably, short-term memory loss and learning disability.   However,  many of the long-term negative effects have not yet been satisfactorily proven, and in fact, there is quite a bit of evidence to indicate the contrary. 

In one study on the heart, according to NIDA, the affects indicated that the risk of heart attack was quadrupled within the first hour after smoking marijuana.  This, however, is only one study. There is no indication of 1) whether this study was conducted on animals or whether it was conducted on humans; 2) if the test subjects were human, how many there were; and 3) if they were human, what, if any, were pre-existing medical conditions which might have been present before the study and which may have contributed to this effect.

Beneficial studies, even here in the United States, however, have shown the efficacy of marijuana, though these published studies have not been widely distributed or publicized.  In fact, in many instances they have been downplayed by governmental authorities when they are brought to light.

Conclusion

Of the various psychoactive drugs for which numerous studies have been conducted: cocaine, alcohol, heroin, amphetamines, tobacco and even caffeine, the majority of the studies have shown alarmingly dangerous physiological and psychological effects on the human body.  This, however, is not the case with marijuana, as has been shown by the cited and numerous additional studies.

It seems eerily significant that the studies, such as they are, which have been cited on government websites and in print media here in the United States are sadly lacking in any actual and accurate definitive evidence which proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that marijuana is harmful.

It also seems significant that those studies from within the United States and from other countries showing beneficial effects seem to be routinely excluded from the data released to the American public.

Bibliography

¹ Short-term negative effects

  http://www.well.com/user/woa/fspot.htm

  http://www.nida.nih.gov/infofacts/marijuana.html  

  http://www.drugabuse.gov/DrugPages/Marijuana.html

  http://www.drug‑rehabs.com/marijuana.htm

  Conflicting reports

  http://www.projectinform.org/fs/marijuana.html

² respiratory distress

   http://www.mentalhealth.com/book/p45‑mar2.html#Head_15

³ tachycardia, delayed reaction

http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetContent.aspx?token=712c416e‑2228‑4a57‑ae0e‑b2be76d615d5&chunkiid=31231

⁴ Relief from depression and insomnia

   http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=3472

⁵ http://www.marijuana‑as‑medicine.org/Alliance/facts.html

   Cannabinoids for Nausea," Lancet, January 31, 1981.

     Frytek, S. & Moertel, C.G. "Management of Nausea and Vomiting in Cancer Patients," Journal  of the American Medical Association, 245:4, 393‑396 (1981).

   Neidhart, J., Gagen, M., Wilson, H. & Young, D. "Comparative Trial of the Antiemetic Effects of THC and Haloperidol," Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 21, 385‑425 (1981).

      Sensky, T., Baldwin, A., & Pettingale, K. "Cannabinoids as Antiemetics," British Medical Journal, 286, 802 (1983).

   Vinciguerra, V., "Inhalation Marijuana as an Antiemetic of Cancer Chemotherapy," New York State Journal of Medicine, 525‑527, (October 1988).

⁶ Muscle Spasm, Pain & Marijuana Therapy, Robert C. Randall, Galen Press (1990).

  Harris, L., "Analgesic and Antitumor Potential of the Cannabinoids," The Therapeutic Potential of Marijuana, Cohen & Stillman (eds.), 299‑305 (1976).

^{7, 8}  http://www.benefitsofmarijuana.com/benefits.html

⁹ Marijuana‑Like Drug Increases Brain Cells, Relieves Depression

    http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,172194,00.html

¹⁰  Medical Use of Marijuana by Patients with Glaucoma

    http://www.marijuana‑as‑medicine.org/Alliance/facts.html

    http://www.csdp.org/kz/mmj.htm

Additional

Check out You Tube:

Medical Marijuana for ADD and It's Good for Kids!

I get so frustrated listening to the misleading commercials about how horrible pot is. The American Government spends more time trying to convince our kids that it's bad, and telling parents that we have to convince our kids that it's bad that it's a wonder they have any time left to do anything else. And the fact is, THEY know the truth:  marijuana or hemp has so many positive attributes that it can truthfully be called a wonder ‘drug,' though I don't believe it is a drug in the ‘true' sense of the word, nor is it a narcotic, as the government attempted for so long to convince us it was.

It's no wonder, too, that our kids think we're hypocrites because we tell them in one breath that smoking pot is bad for you, while with the next breath we're inhaling tobacco, imbibing alcohol and popping all kinds of pharmaceutical pills that have all but totally destroyed the structure of society, and are, for the most part, FATAL.

There are numerous so-called 'sources' for this hogwash. But don't let them fool you, do the research for yourselves. There's also plenty of literature out there that can cite just as many studies that are PRO marijuana.

According to Joan Bellos, the author of "Benefits of Marijuana" "The fear of marijuana... stems from its limitless potential for treating illness, in that both the pharmaceutical industry and the medical monopoly would lose billions of dollars if marijuana became the non-drug of choice." (p. 61)

This is only ONE of the problems. The other problem, as I see it, is that marijuana helps to open our Third Eye, which is one of the chakras.  That is, it allows one to see into alternate realities, in effect, to glimpse and sometimes to fully experience other dimensions.  The movie, Altered States provides a basic clue as to what is possible and available to us when we smoke hemp.  And that, more than anything, is the main reason the government doesn't want the population to have access to it: because being able to see into alternate dimensions would allow us to see things they don't wish us to see and which would expose their true intentions towards the sheeple.  Therefore, they attempt to do everything in their power to dissuade its use, including ‘insane' and stiff penalties for even personal use.

Some so-called 'New Agers' say that marijuana puts 'holes in one's etheric' field. However, whatEVER that might mean, there is certainly no evidence to prove this. And the fact is, after I've smoked I feel MUCH more spiritual.  Further, this is something else to be wary of:  the New Agers.  According to the Illuminati Conspiracy Archive  the New Age movement and all its inherent woowoo belief systems (such as much of the channeling that's advocated) is a product of the proponents of the New World Order, otherwise known as the Illuminati -- those who would create a one world government and thus enslave the whole of humanity. Don't believe it? Again, do the research...it's out there. And there's plenty of evidence to back it up. Just look around at what's happening... the New Age movement... globalization... implanted identity chips... global positioning systems that allow the constant monitoring of everyone on earth... H.A.A.R.P. -- weather modification system -- Homeland Security, another way to take away our supposed freedom.  If you believe that Americans are truly free, think again.  We're the most heavily imprisoned society on Earth, because the imprisonment is conducted covertly and subliminally through television shows, commercials and print media which are blasted into our subconscious 24/7, to the propaganda distributed in the various vehicles of the world's media outlets.

Jack Herer - Emperor of Hemp (Marijuana Legalization)

Hemp - marijuana - is an absolutely PHENOMENOL plant, as shown by Jack Herer. He cites the fallacies of the propaganda put forth by (mainly) the US government in order to deter the population from partaking.  For more information regarding Jack Herer and his fight against the government's insane campaign to continue to criminalize personal use of marijuana, check out Google videos.

Additionally, you might find these videos of interest:

Jack Herer on Marijuana

The History of Marijuana - Woody Harrelson

Is pot evil?  From everything that I've seen and experienced, it's not only NOT a gateway 'drug,' but it is one of the most beneficial substances known to man.  It's about time that the sheeple woke up. 

We Are NOT Criminals.  We make LOVE, not war.  Come join us!