Homosexuality is a sexual orientation, sometimes called 'gay' (primarily for males) and 'lesbian' (primarily for females), in which a person is attracted to and/or participates in relationships with members of the opposite gender. Homosexuality is considered an alternative lifestyle, because it falls outside of the mainstream heterosexual lifestyle.
Famous Gays and Lesbians
Background
It is estimated that anywhere from 2-25% of the population is homosexual, based solely on the attraction felt toward the same gender. However, because homosexuality is an alternative lifestyle, many people choose willing not to openly practice homosexual behavior or enter into homosexual relationships based on that attraction, because it is not considered the societal norm. Because of this, it is difficult to know the exact prevalence of homosexuality in the human species.
Homosexuality does occur naturally in the animal kingdom, where stigma isn't attached as easily as in the human society, which seems to indicate at least the possibility the homosexuality is a normal process. Many people who are against homosexuality will argue that it is not natural, even using Christian or other religious doctrines and beliefs to state why homosexuality is not a natural attraction. Those who fight for equality for homosexuals believe it to be a sexual orientation that is something innate, and perhaps genetic, and is no more a choice than what color eyes a person will have.
References
Fast Facts
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Not a Mental Illness
The American Psychiatric Association does not consider homosexuality to be a mental illness, neither is it considered abnormal behavior.
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Exists in Nature
Homosexuality exists in the animal kingdom as well as the human species as a natural sexual component.
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Attraction no Action
Homosexuality is the attraction to the same gender; it's not necessarily the physical or sexual action taken upon that attraction.
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Sex and Homosexuality
It is possible to be homosexual without having sex or having had sex.
