Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity LGBTQ+

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity LGBTQ+

The idea that being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning your sexual orientation or gender identity (LGBTQ+) is a disease is a misconception. Major medical organizations worldwide have firmly rejected this notion.

Here's why LGBTQ+ is not a disease:

• Scientific Consensus: Leading health organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have stated that homosexuality and transgender identities are not mental disorders.
• Natural Variation: Sexual orientation is a natural variation in human sexuality, just like hair color or eye color.
• Cross-Cultural Occurrence: LGBTQ+ identities exist in cultures all over the world, throughout history.

The History of Misconceptions:

Unfortunately, in the past, homosexuality was mistakenly classified as a mental illness. Decades of research and activism have thankfully corrected this misconception.

Focus on Acceptance:

The focus should be on creating a society that accepts and celebrates LGBTQ+ individuals. Discrimination and prejudice can negatively impact mental health, so fostering understanding and inclusion is crucial.

Illness or Not

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) identities are not illnesses and don't require a cure. Major medical and psychological associations, including the American Psychiatric Association and American Psychological Association, all agree that homosexuality and bisexuality are normal variations of human sexuality.

There's a history of harmful practices aimed at changing sexual orientation, often referred to as "conversion therapy." These therapies have no basis in science and can cause significant emotional distress.

Here's what the article can explore:

• Sexual Orientation vs. Sexual Behavior: Sexual orientation, defining who a person is attracted to, forms a fundamental aspect of their identity. Sexual behavior describes a person's actions. People can change their behavior, but their core orientation is unlikely to shift.
• The Science: Extensive research shows no credible evidence that sexual orientation can be changed.
• The Dangers of Conversion Therapy: These practices can lead to anxiety, depression, and self-hatred. Many LGBT organizations have resources to help people who have experienced conversion therapy.
• Focus on Acceptance: The article emphasizes that LGBT people deserve acceptance and support and that focusing on well-being is more important than trying to change orientation.

The idea that astrology has anything to say about sexual orientation or gender identity and that these are somehow "against mother nature" is simply not true.

Here's why:

• Science vs. Belief System: Astrology is a belief system based on the interpretation of planetary positions. Science, on the other hand, studies the natural world through observation and experimentation. Research shows that sexual orientation and gender identity are fundamental aspects of human existence. Astrology, however, lacks scientific evidence to predict them.
• Diversity in Nature: Nature thrives on diversity. Look at the animal kingdom! Same-sex attraction and behaviors are observed in many species, from penguins to primates. Human sexuality is a spectrum, and the LGBTQ+ community is a natural part of human diversity.
• Love is Love: Astrology shouldn't dictate who you love or how you identify. LGBTQ+ relationships are just as valid and fulfilling as heterosexual ones.

It's important to note:

• The article touches on the fact that gender identity is different from sexual orientation. While sexual orientation refers to attraction, gender identity refers to one's internal sense of being male, female, or somewhere in between.
• Some people may identify as questioning or unsure about their sexual orientation or gender identity. This article shouldn't pressure anyone to define themselves immediately.

But as per astrology and also in my view we are going against nature.

For more than 3 decades, I've practiced in the noble profession of Astrology. In the last decade, my work has led me to counsel many people from the LGBTQ+ community. These individuals have confided in me about experiencing clinical depression, suicidal thoughts, and even worse struggles – all stemming from their fear of coming out as gay in society. I feel, in these cases, more than astrology, the first thing I have always done is plain and simple counseling…. counseling to help people accept themselves the way they are AND THEN to focus on other people accepting them.

Sexual orientation, defining who a person is attracted to, forms a fundamental aspect of their identity. Once a person can accept his or her core, accepting the outer physical body its desires and preferences become a lot easier. To me, a person is a person…and anyone who has the courage to ask for help…I’ll try to help him/her to the best of my abilities.