Gay psychology: on what sexual diversity is not and its relation to psychology.
Environment, culture and conception of homosexuality in psychology.
On what sexual diversity is not and its relation to psychology.
In general terms, psychology deals with the study of human behavior for its understanding and prediction. This can be pigeonholed into conditioning processes and a premise that is well supported by scientific evidence, but without reaching the point of reductionismwhich in any of its fields is not very adequate.
The concept of gay psychology
Psychology is as broad as the complexity of the human being, not to mention sexuality. We find ourselves with sexual diversity, framed in a very varied range full of nuances. Therefore, beyond impositions, either by culture, society and religion especially. Possibly when we hear about sexual diversity we think vaguely or exclusively of homosexualitybut there are many other aspects involved. As far as homosexuality is concerned, much is said about what we think we know it is, but very little is said about what it is not.
So what exactly are we referring to: gay psychology or psychology related to sexual diversity? Sexual diversity, therefore, contemplates affective and sexual orientation beyond heterosexuality, which is given to us by the parameters constructed by our society according to gender and its direct correspondence. All this, as if it were a dogma, without taking into account its possible variants. Denying any option that opposes heteronormativity.
We find ourselves with a lack of flexibility which does not take into account components such as the Biological one, which becomes feasible together with the environment in the person, but those imposed by man as he sees fit. Another point to take into account is affectivity, since all of us feel the need to love and be loved, as far as a couple relationship is concerned. Then the inclination is denominated as affective-sexual orientation, they can go together or separately, which is expressed with attraction.
Homosexuality, therefore, will be the affective and/or sexual inclination for persons of the same sex, regardless of gender, identity, role and its corresponding expression. We can often come across the acronym LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender and Intersex). These initials encompass sexual diversity or the misnamed sexual minority, which is why it is given a connotation of stigma, but that does not always have to be the case. Curiously, many accuse the people who identify themselves as such of being responsible for the overt rejection in discrimination, but it occurs due to the misconception of the environment in which they live. misconception of the environment.
Labels give a name and classifylabels give a name and classify, although they do not define the person as a whole, but make them visible. Being the testimony, the labels, that we are different but with equal rights. There are many aspects to deal with in this broad subject and its direct relationship with psychology lies in understanding the person in his individuality. Realizing how the person is built, develops and becomes aware of who he/she is. Offering support and help. Because we all have the full right to be how we feel, even if what has been imposed on us by different conventions contradicts it.
Psychology then, opens a field of possibilities within everyone's reach to understand and understand ourselves, this improves the quality of life and well-being. At some point we can act, think, feel and speak in a way that expresses homophobia or rejection of the different "options" or variants of sexuality that are not precisely heterosexual, since we have grown up in environments where it is somehow implicitly encouraged, but it is up to each one's criteria to be aware of whether or not it is the right thing to do. Above all, we are people worthy of respect, no matter how we are or how we define ourselves. It is good that we cannot demand that everyone "understands", but more than tolerance we should offer respect by the different ways of being and feeling in terms of sexuality and affectivity.
(Updated at Apr 13 / 2024)