9781422283844

CONTENTS

Foreword by Kevin Jennings, Founder, GLSEN ............................................ 8

1 The Origins of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity ........................ 13 Gender Roles ......................................................................................................... 16 Transgender ........................................................................................................... 18 Close-up: Intersex ................................................................................................. 20 Homosexuality ....................................................................................................... 20 2 Born Gay: Biological Theories of Homosexuality ................................... 25 A Quick Lesson in Genetics ................................................................................. 26 Genetics and Homosexuality ............................................................................... 27 Close-up: Homosexuality in the Animal Kingdom ........................................... 28 Prenatal Influences ................................................................................................ 31 Born That Way ....................................................................................................... 33 3 Becoming Gay: Psychological Theories of Homosexuality ................. 35 Homosexuality as a “Mental Disorder” .............................................................. 37 Close-up: APA Rejects Conversion Therapy ..................................................... 39 Interacting Causes ................................................................................................ 40 4 Why Does It Matter? ....................................................................................... 45 Homosexuality and Legal Rights ........................................................................ 48 Religion and Homosexuality ................................................................................ 49 Close-up: Christian Acceptance of Gay Nature ................................................ 50 Love ......................................................................................................................... 50