Question by Adamsman: Why is it offensive to consider homosexuality a mental illness or emotional disturbance?
I would think since it is something one is born with and not a choice then it would be the same as alcoholism where it is not a choice but treatment is available if one wishes to get treatment. Why is the term offensive, just curious. Also if a gay or lesbian person really wants to become heterosexual are they able to through counseling? I know the forced counseling often doesn’t work and can be seen as very offensive but I am wondering for those who are gay/lesbian but don’t want to be anymore.
I am not gay myself but know a couple that is and am just curious. As a kid I would make offensive comments that I know regret about gay/lesbian people. It was a prejudice and immature attitude. While I don’t believe in gay marriage for religious reasons I do believe in all other rights for gays and lesbians.
So just curious the views on why mental illness is seen as an offensive term for homosexuality. I often think of it as like alcoholism except that alcoholism causes hurt to families even though it is never intended by the alcoholic whereas homosexuality usually does not cause hurt to families or if it does it is only because of religious views and not personality change.
I should note that I don’t mean insane but mental illness like General Anxiety or Depression where a person gets around but just has brains wired differently. Maybe I should say a “disability”. I certainly don’t mean a psychotic mental illness.

Best answer:

Answer by petrof_skinsky
It’s offensive because homosexuality is neither a mental illness or an emotional disturbance. You were heterosexual since birth and your straightness is neither a mental illness or an emotional disturbance.

Just becuz something is “other” than your own orientation, doesn’t make it an illness.

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