No one seems terribly surprised that acceptance of homosexuality is on the rise, but what does surprise many is the that, “The number of Americans who say they’ve had sexual activity with someone of the same gender has doubled since the 1970s,” according to a study by San Diego University.
This isn’t really as surprising as it might sound at face value. An increased acceptance of homosexuality, bisexuality, and the spectrum of sexualities means that experimentation is more likely. As Ilan Meyer of the Williams Institute for Sexual Orientation Law and Public Policy at the UCLA School of Law notes, “Most of the increase in same-sex experience seemed to involve bisexual interactions with both male and female partners. And even that activity may be chalked up to an experimental phase of youth, rather than as a predictor of life-long exclusive same-sex relations.”
The Pew Research center shows that the question “Should Society Accept Homosexuality?” is answered positively by 60% of Americans- a 10 point jump since 2007.
This is great news for those seeking therapeutic help. Acceptance of homosexuality in general population correlates with the increase in organizations at various levels condemning conversion therapy models I’ve written about before. Conversion therapy is now banned in 5 states, as well as Washington DC. The World Psychiatric Association has taken it a step farther, issuing this directive to its members: ““Psychiatrists have a social responsibility to advocate for a reduction in social inequalities for all individuals, including inequalities related to gender identity and sexual orientation…”
This increased acceptance for homosexuality and bisexuality may also expand affirmation of gender identity. It has been shown conclusively that LGBT individuals show higher than expected rates of psychiatric disorders and once their rights and equality are recognized these rates start to drop.
Given that the suicide rate among trans individuals with a mental health condition is a shocking 65%, increased affirmation of all members of society is in the best interest of us all.
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