Dispelling Some Myths About Homosexuality (Press, 25 March 1985)

Professor Ken Strongman, the head of the psychology department at the University of Canterbury, discusses the implications of the homosexual law reform bill introduced in Parliament. He argues that the topic of homosexuality is already provoking considerable discussion, much of which may be uninformed. Strongman aims to clarify misconceptions about homosexuality through a psychological lens. He emphasises that homosexuality is not a disease, contrasting it with infectious conditions that can be transmitted or treated. He states that it is merely a preference for sexual relationships with members of the same sex. Strongman notes that sexual orientation is not binary; rather, it exists on a continuum, a concept popularised by Alfred Kinsey, who devised a seven-point scale in 1948 to measure sexual preferences. Kinsey's research revealed that many individuals fall somewhere between the extremes of heterosexuality and homosexuality, indicating that these preferences are more nuanced than simply categorising individuals as either one or the other. Strongman references Kinsey's findings that suggest homosexuality is more common than the public might assume. His research indicated that 37 percent of males had experienced a homosexual orgasm at least once since adolescence, while others had experienced urges. Remarkably, he noted that among single men by the age of 35, up to 50 percent reported having had homosexual experiences. These statistics challenge the perception that homosexuality is abnormal, pointing out instead that heterosexuality could equally be viewed through the same lens of rarity and preference. Regarding the age of consent included in the proposed reform, which is set at 16, Strongman addresses concerns about its appropriateness. He explains that evidence suggests sexual preferences develop around puberty, with some researchers proposing that they may be established even earlier. Given this perspective, the age of 16 appears reasonable, as it applies equally to heterosexual and homosexual relationships. The article also delves into the complexities of determining the causes of homosexuality. While many theories exist, none are definitively proven. Strongman asserts that homosexuality is not inherited and exhaustively suggests that both forms of sexual behaviour, homosexual and heterosexual, are shaped by a mixture of biological, social, and environmental factors. The ability for individuals to find erotic stimuli appealing from same-sex and opposite-sex partners implies a much broader spectrum of sexual arousal than is often realised. In conclusion, Strongman asserts that discussions surrounding homosexuality often lack clarity and understanding. He highlights that it is neither a disease nor statistically abnormal and exists on a continuum, just like heterosexuality. He argues that further research is needed to understand sexual behaviour fully, addressing the interactions between intrinsic predispositions and external influences. Thus, shifting attitudes towards homosexuality should stem from informed discussions rooted in scientific understanding rather than misconceptions or biases.

The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact

The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand