Uncovering Truths from Behind the Myths
MYTH: There are very few bisexuals. People are either completely homosexual or heterosexual.
TRUTH: The pioneering studies of Dr. Alfred Kinsey (1948, 1953) are most frequently cited on this question. This data suggested that few people are
predominantly heterosexual or homosexual in their actions, feelings, thoughts, or sexual fantasies. Most people fall somewhere on the continuum
between these two extremes and have the capacity to experience both affectional and sexual feelings for members of both sexes.
MYTH: Gays, lesbians, and bisexuals are only a small percentage of the population.
TRUTH: The Kinsey studies showed that approximately 10% of the population is predominantly gay or lesbian. Approximately one in every four
families has a member who is predominantly lesbian or gay.
MYTH: Lesbians and gays can ordinarily be identified by certain mannerisms or characteristics.
TRUTH: The vast majority of gays and lesbians cannot be identified by looks or effeminate/masculine characteristics. The small number of gays or
lesbians who behave in a way that will make people think they are gay do so because they want to be known as gay or in rebellion of traditional sex
roles. Many straight people appear to be lesbian or gay for this last reason. Stereotypes persist due to the way gays and lesbians are portrayed in the
media.
MYTH: Lesbians and gays have made a conscious decision to be homosexual.
TRUTH: While researchers continue to disagree on the specific "causes" of homosexuality, they mostly agree there is some sort of predisposition or
genetic relationship involved. The "decision" may not be whether one is going to be gay or lesbian but rather whether one will acknowledge the
exisitence of gay or lesbian thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
MYTH: Homosexuality is not "natural"; it does not exist in nature and is therefore dysfunctional.
TRUTH: From a scientific point of view, it is "natural". Any animal, including the human species, is capable of responding to homosexual stimuli.
Research suggests that homosexuality is almost universal among all animals and is frequent among highly developed species. One anthropological
study of non-western cultures found that 64% of their sample cultures considered homosexuality "normal" and "acceptable" for certain members of
the society.
MYTH: The majority of child molestors are gay.
TRUTH: Over 90% of child molestation is committed by heterosexual men against young girls. The overwhelming majority of homosexuals have no
interest in pre-adolescent or adolescent children.
MYTH: Gay people should not be teachers because they will try to convert the students to the gay lifestyle.
TRUTH: Homosexual conversion/seduction is no more common than is heterosexual seduction. Most gay teachers live with the fear that they will be
fired immediately if they are "found out". Most, if not all gays have no desire to convert students. Unfortunately, their efforts to provide support for
younger gays may be misconstrued and misrepresented. If, in fact, the data are correct that suggests that sexual orientation is established by 3-6 years
of age, then contact with teachers would have no effect on students.
MYTH: Most gay people regard themselves as members of the opposite sex.
TRUTH: The vast majority of gays and lesbians are comfortable with their gender. Being gay must not be confused with transgender (one who feels
trapped in the body of the wrong sex) or transsexual (one who has had a sex change operation).