Why it’s not a choice to be LGBTQ+

People have a general misconception that having a specific sexual orientation is a choice and a myth that LGBTQ+ brethren make it deliberately. Well, sorry to break your bubble it’s NOT A CHOICE. Blaming a biological process is like blaming a fish not being able to climb a tree. 

It is highly offensive to say so because blaming someone and judging them for something that no one has control over is NOT ACCEPTABLE. Before we jump into conclusions let’s take a step back and introspect as to why we must respect one’s sexuality and sexual preferences. 

So why it’s not a choice? 

Because, sexual orientation is a biological process, that is not simple as a fleeting thought that can be ignored or changed but is inherent and deeply rooted in emotions. Genetics, Cognition and much more play a vital role in this. The American Psychological Society (APA) clearly states that sexual orientation is not something that can be changed at will ^[2] and this is concluded after not one but many types of research done over the decades. 

It is natural 

You may say, “But this is not in nature!” and so on. Let me break this down to you. It is something natural and has been there for a very, very long time in our culture ^[1]. Only from the recent few centuries, the mindset of the societies has changed due to invasions and cultural impositions that had caused their suppression and oppression. That which is seen in nature is natural. Vikruti Evam Prakriti. 

Should we be ashamed?

No! Definitely not. This is not a disease nor a disorder, that requires curing. It is something that is natural. Just like there is a variety in life, this is also normal and it’s okay. This is something to be proud of. To come out takes a lot of courage and strength. They deserve our love and support, not hate. 

Should we suppress it?

No. Suppressing one’s feelings and emotions lead to further complications beyond reconciliation. There is no purpose in living a fake like for the sake of others. It can’t be ignored too, because it’s like sleep. You can keep going for a while before you completely break down. Forcing to suppress also leads to complications. You are not only hurting them but forcing to choose something ends up hurting everyone around them. CONVERSION THERAPY is NOT OKAY ^[3,4]. 

References: 

1. 1. “APOLLODORUS, THE LIBRARY 1.” APOLLODORUS, THE LIBRARY BOOK 1.3.3 – Theoi Classical Texts Library, www.theoi.com/Text/Apollodorus3.html.
2. 2. Mary Ann Lamanna; Agnes Riedmann; Susan D Stewart (2014). Marriages, Families, and Relationships: Making Choices in a Diverse Society. Cengage Learning. p. 82. ISBN 978-1305176898.
3. 3. https://www.hrc.org/resources/the-lies-and-dangers-of-reparative-therapy 
4. 4. Glassgold, JM; et al. (2009), Report of the American Psychological Association Task Force on Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation (PDF), American Psychological Association, retrieved 2009-09-24. 

Writer: Manojj Dhinakaran