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| What would you do if your son or daughter is gay? |
Although it may seem obvious to most, for many teenagers, discovering their sexual identity may not be such a simple task. Is it normal for you to be attracted to someone of the same sex or people of both sexes? Should I look only at couples of the opposite sex? Here you will find the main questions and answers about sexual orientation and homosexuality. Valuable information so you can accompany your son or daughter at this stage in which they are defining their personality.
Homosexuality in our children
“I like it or I don't like it, I want or I don't want to, what do I want?” It is normal for teenagers to question their sexual identity and even have doubts and seek answers. Today we usually see how there is still a strong social prejudice regarding those who are attracted to people of the same sex.
With all this, parents are likely to feel uncomfortable talking about these issues with their children and even find it difficult to accept the sexual orientation that young people define, if it is not what parents would have preferred. What can you do in these cases? It is always best to talk and, if you need, prepare to do so. Keep in mind that talking and asking about issues related to sexuality is something important and necessary for any teenager, no matter what their sexual orientation.
Unable to speak openly about their sexuality, young people tend to lose their self-esteem, suffer from depression and have other types of emotional problems, which can encourage them to adopt harmful habits such as alcohol and drugs and even to think about suicide.
Teasing and harassment of homosexuality
In the United States, several cases have been reported in recent years in which there have been cases of teenagers who have taken their lives after their homosexuality was exposed (for example through a video released on the Internet) or by who were victims of teasing, harassment or abuse, whether sexual, verbal or cyberbullying (in social networks).
Studies by scientists at the University of Illinois, Northwestern University in Illinois and the Howard Brown Health Center in Chicago, talk about gay or gay teenagers being more likely to suffer psychological, emotional and mental problems. I am sure that you do not want your children to suffer from such problems. Therefore, it helps to eradicate the prejudice that exists in relation to homosexuality, so that it is no longer seen as a prohibited subject; that way you will establish a communication link with your adolescent child.
Also, think that if they don't talk to you, they will surely find information on the subject on television, on the Internet, through other partners and in many other places. There you can find the wrong information and a world of prejudices. So who better than you to talk about sexuality with your children?
A clear dialogue
Take advantage of all the dialogue opportunities you find. Many times you don't have to sit down and talk about sex. Even if you do it in a planned way they may take it as one more sermon, take away relevance and do not pay attention to you.
On the contrary, they may be interested to know what you think about the subject and, sooner or later, they will give you the opportunity for you to start the conversation. Try to be alert and do not miss these opportunities. Think about the age of your son or daughter and find a way to express yourself clearly and understandably to him or her, avoiding prejudices about one orientation or another (homosexuality or heterosexuality).
If you find out that your teenage son or daughter is lesbian or gay, the best thing you can do is give him your full support and show him that, regardless of his sexual orientation, love is stronger and you will always be by his side to prove it to him.
What is known today about homosexuality
Remember that there is no "cure" for homosexuality, that was thought in the past. Now it is known that homosexuality is not a disease. Several decades ago, the American Psychiatric Association recognized homosexuality as normal human behavior and that other health organizations have adhered to this idea. It has even been shown that trying to reorient sexual preference can be harmful and cause more emotional problems. In fact, many countries have recognized this finding and have legalized homosexuality and criminalized discrimination against homosexuals or lesbians. In several of them, same-sex marriage is already legal.
Also, don't blame yourself for the sexual orientation your son or daughter has chosen. The idea that homosexuality is the result of poor parenting is another of the wrong myths that have never been proven. Instead, it is considered that there are genetic, social and individual factors that can influence this process, either separately or in combination with each other.
Discovering sexual identity is a stage that can be difficult and confusing, especially if the person has fears and prejudices. But think that it can also be risky, so it is important that you accompany your children in this process and support them not only in the discovery of their sexual orientation but also in learning about sex and how to have a healthy and safe sex life.
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