Public schools are being directed these days to treat homosexuals and homosexuality upon the basis of the definition of being homosexual as meaning the following: you are homosexual if you have strong attractions to members of the same sex. However, up until a few years ago the definition of being a homosexual person was the following: you are a homosexual if you practice homosexual acts. Therefore, if a person has attractions toward another person of the same sex but does not act upon them, they are not homosexual. This definition is still used by many persons today.
The reason why homosexuals may wish to use the first definition may be that if attractions to another person of the same sex are part of nature, there is no guilt. If these attractions are a matter of nature, like being African American, or Hispanic, then homosexuals could qualify to be a legal minority with minority rights. If homosexuality is a matter of nature, then, once one is found to be homosexual, then they can never really alter their nature and they will always be homosexual.
If a person is homosexual only if they commit homosexual acts, then they can be logically responsible for making the choice to do so. They would not qualify to be a minority with minority rights. And, they could change their minds and no longer be homosexual.
There is a dilemma in the public schools because the first definition is the operating one. Therefore, on campuses across the country, student clubs that honor homosexuality are active. And, they promote the idea of "coming out" among the teenagers. However, this may be extremely dangerous for mental and emotional reasons.
First, according to a PhD in psychology, a person whom I could identify but choose not to at this time, youngsters going through puberty have both androgens and estrogens in their body. Many, many may naturally feel attractions to members of the same sex. But, as they mature, these attractions will tend to disappear and their natural attractions to members of the opposite sex will take over. Some may continue to have strong attractions to the same sex.
If the youngster is encouraged to exercise their political right to "come out" before these attractions are settled by their own natural maturity, then they may experience unnecessary emotional trauma. Their families may also. My understanding is that many teenagers who consider themselves homosexuals are also plagued with thoughts of suicide.
Some years ago I was an elected member of the Fresno County Board of Education. I attended a State conference for boards of education at which a PhD psychologist and an avowed lesbian was holding a "table talk" discussion on homosexual issues in public schools. She was an advisor to the Los Angeles Unified School District board of education. During the discussion, she mentioned that she had a daughter and said that she hoped her daughter would not become homosexual. Her reason was that being gay was traumatic.
Second, if the matter of being homosexual is one of nature rather than choice, a person is destined to be homosexual forever. If a youngster feels that there is no way out of this extreme trauma that they are experiencing, then suicidal thoughts may become part of the trauma.
This does not have to be the case. If school boards can consider the professional statements, if legislators can do the same, and change laws, then, this does not have to follow. The chances of this happening in California are slight.
However, if students and their families can become aware, one person at a time, of the differences between these two definitions and their results, then healthy lives can be restored and trauma be reduced. Rights, as perceived by the State, do not have to be altered. I firmly believe they should be altered. However, individuals can believe as they wish.
P.S. You may wish to research a recent statement regarding this topic by the professional association of Pediatricians (doctors of children).
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