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Common Questions About Sexual Orientation and Homosexuality

Topic Overview

Many people believe things about homosexuality that aren't true. Here are some questions people sometimes have.

Question: Can gays and lesbians change their sexual orientation if they really want to? Can't they get some kind of treatment?

Answer: Like heterosexuals, most gays and lesbians don't feel they can choose their sexual orientation. No "treatment" has been shown to change a person's sexual orientation. Most gay, lesbian, and bisexual adults are satisfied to be who they are. They would not wish to change into heterosexuals, just as most heterosexuals would not wish to become gay.

Question: Can child abuse cause homosexuality?

Answer: Abuse does not make people straight or gay. Science has not yet discovered what makes some people gay and others straight.

Question: I have an uncle who is gay. Should I worry about letting my children stay with him? Aren't gay people more likely to be child molesters?

Answer: Gay people are not more likely to molest children.

Question: My lesbian daughter and her partner are adopting a little girl. I wonder if they can be good parents or if my new granddaughter will grow up to be gay?

Answer: The ability to be a good parent has nothing to do with whether the parent is straight or gay. Most children of gay and lesbian parents grow up to be heterosexual. And most gay and lesbian children have heterosexual parents. Sexual orientation is not something you can impose on others.

Question: I've heard that people who are bisexual change partners a lot. Is it true?

Answer: Being bisexual just means that the person has been romantically or sexually attracted to both sexes at least once. Many people who are bisexual are monogamous, which means they have only one partner.

For more information, see the topics:

Other Places To Get Help


American Social Health Association
Web Address:

Family Equality Council (U.S.)
Web Address:


Other Works Consulted



By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Current as of June 4, 2014



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