Stormy Issues

Heterosexuals in religious circles would usually take this as a form of spiritual, soul-searching issue. For the not-so-religious, this would be taken as a crossroads in life due to a coming-of-age, mid-life or identity crisis caused either by a sudden breakthrough event or traumatic experience. Some would even take this as a predominant behaviour characteristic of a family trait or bloodline which was handed down from one generation to the next. But that outlook seems to change when it comes to the issue of sexual orientation, wherein this same argument is used to assess or assert one’s true sexual identity, as opposed to one’s personal identity. And so we come to the issue of biological genetics. A study by Dr. Alan Sanders claims that sexual orientation is not by choice but rather an offshoot of two regions of the human genome. In conclusion to his research, The Independent quoted him as saying that his work “erodes the notion that sexual orientation is a choice”...

Rainbow Flag The LGBT’s fight for human rights and equality has come a long way, and the movement has gained increasing momentum since the Stonewall Riots . The Transgender Day of Remembrance every Nov 20 is a way to commemorate those who have fallen protecting the basic human right to live just like everybody else. Since then, a deviation in the normal or “general” sexual orientation is rarely considered a mental health issue or a precursor to one anymore. They are now being given the same civil rights to marry, and even to adopt children among other things. But despite such efforts to strike a common ground in the face of disparity and striking differences, looming questions still remain. Here are some of them: 1. Mental Stability Many studies show that LGBT individuals have a higher risk of suffering from mental and emotional problems, such as suicidal tendencies, major depression and anxiety disorder, as compared to their heterosexual counterpa...