# Homosexual and Lesbian behavior is bad for individuals and society The discussion around the LGBTQ+ lifestyle often involves examining the health and social implications associated with it. When we describe the LGBTQ+ lifestyle as "harmful," we refer to the statistically higher prevalence of various physical, mental, and social health issues within the LGBTQ+ community compared to the general population. This examination is not meant to stigmatize but to present a fact-based analysis that highlights the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. ## Health Issues in the LGBTQ+ Community The LGBTQ+ lifestyle is associated with several health issues that significantly impact the well-being of individuals within this community. These health problems can be broadly categorized into physical ailments, mental health challenges, and social complications. Anyone who has sex can get an STI. However, sexually active gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) are at greater risk. The LGBTQ+ lifestyle is linked to various physical health afflictions such as: - **STDs**: MSM are disproportionally impacted by STDs, including gonorrhea and P&S syphilis; According to recent data from the STD Surveillance Network (SSuN), nearly one-third of all reported cases of gonorrhea were among gay and bisexual men. They also accounted for almost half of all male primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis cases ([[Watts2019-df]]) - MSM have had a 75% lifetime STD rate and 40% yearly STD rate, while the General population has a 16.9% lifetime STD rate a 1.6% yearly STD rate ([[Schmidt1995-xi]]) - **HIV**: Gay and bisexual men accounted for 70% of the total estimated new HIV infections in the United States in 2019 ([[Watts2019-df]]) and 2021, they also account for 86% of diagnoses among all men. In 2021,?transgender people?accounted for 2% (868) of the 36,136 new HIV diagnoses ([[noauthor_2023-kv]HIV Surveillance Supplemental Report]]). Over 630 000 people died from aids in 2022 [[noauthor_undated-yf|unaids.org]] Given that LGBTQ+ people only make up 5% of the population ([[Gallup_Inc_undated-jt]]) yet a majority of HIV infections, this is a huge health risk for those that identify as Gay, Bisexual or Trans. - **Chlamydia and Gonorrhea**: Studies have demonstrated that among MSM, prevalence of rectal gonorrhea and chlamydia ranges from 0.2% to 24% and 2.1% to 23%, respectively, and prevalence of pharyngeal gonorrhea and chlamydia ranges from 0.5% to 16.5% and 0% to 3.6% ([[noauthor_2022-vm|CDC]]) - **Infections**: Sporadic outbreaks of Shigella sonnei and Shigella flexneri have been reported among MSM. HPV infection and associated conditions (e.g., anogenital warts and anal squamous intraepithelial lesions) are highly prevalent among MSM . Other conditions such Escherichia coli, Campylobacter jejuni, HAV, Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Hepatitis A, B and C are prevalent among MSM. ([[noauthor_2022-vm|CDC]]). Beyond the physical health afflictions, those in the LGBTQ+ community faces elevated rates of Hazardous Behaviors, including substance/drug abuse and smoking, which further compound health challenges. **Tobacco use**: - Those who self-identified as part of the LGBTQ+ community were found to have used tobacco in the past 30 days at a rate almost 200% that of heterosexuals (18% and 35% respectively). Tobacco use is strongly associated with alcohol and other drug use in this population ([[Rath2013-lu]]). - MSM are nearly twice as likely as other men to be current smokers, Bisexual woman are over twice as likely ([[Blosnich2014-qr]]) **Alcohol** - 35% of felmale homosexual women had a history of alcohol abuse Compared to 5% of females in general (From “Straight & Narrow?” page 113) - In lesbian, gay and bisexual people, alcohol and other substance dependence was also 1.5 times higher then heterosexuals. - 25% of gay/transgendered abuse alcohol compared to 5-10% of the general population ([[Rath2013-lu]]). **Marijuana** - MSM are 3.5 times more likely to use marijuana than men who do not have sex with men ([[Rath2013-lu]]). **Drugs** - 51% of homosexual males had a history of drug abuse Compared to 7% generally - MSM also are 12.2 times more likely to use amphetamines than men who do not have sex with men. They are also 9.5 times more likely to use heroin than men who do not have sex with men ([[Rath2013-lu]]). - Lesbian and bisexual women were particularly at risk of substance dependence ([[King2008-ya]]) **Mental Health** - Approximately 40% of MSM develop major depression during their lifetime, which is about twice the prevalence in other men ([[Mayer2012-af]]). Generalized anxiety disorder, life dissatisfaction, body dissatisfaction, and eating disorders are also common. - MSM are at higher risk of self-directed violence and attempted suicide ([[Blosnich2014-qr]]) - Those that transition have a 20-fold increase in suicide mortality compared to the general population, starting about ten years post-surgery ([[Hall_undated-mo]]) In a survey on 6500 transgenders, 41% said they tried to commit suicide ([[Morabito_undated-uw]]). - The risk for depression and anxiety disorders were at least 1.5 times higher in lesbian, gay and bisexual people ([[King2008-ya]]). - LGBTQ+ people are at higher risk of mental disorder, suicidal ideation, and deliberate self harm than heterosexual people ([[King2008-ya]]). Clinical experience also reveals that autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) are overrepresented among adolescents suffering from gender dysphoria ([[noauthor_undated-wr|PALKO]]). - Data from the 2007 Washington, DC, administration of the YRBS survey revealed that 40% of sexual minority youth, compared with 26% of heterosexual youth, reported feeling sad or hopeless in the past 2 weeks. LGBTQ youth were more than twice as likely to have considered suicide in the past year ([[Almeida2009-am]][Joanna Almeida et al.] # LGBTQ+ reckless sexual behavior Even within a Christian worldview where having a same-sex partner might be considered acceptable, the prevalence of sexual immorality within such relationships is significant and troubling. Studies on sexual behavior and relationship stability among homosexual individuals reveal notable differences compared to heterosexual counterparts Research highlights the higher number of sexual partners and shorter relationship durations among homosexual individuals. A study published in the Journal of Sex Research in 1997, involving 2,583 older homosexuals, found that 21.6% reported having 101-500 lifetime sex partners, while only 2.7% had sex with one partner only ([[Van_de_Ven1997-ah]]). Similarly, a study from the late 1980s in Los Angeles revealed that homosexual men averaged over 20 partners per year. A three-year study in Boston during the same period showed that 77% of homosexuals had more than ten partners in the previous five years, with 34% having more than 50 partners ([[Schmidt1995-xi]]). These findings align with the Genre survey from 1996, which reported that 40% of gay men had more than 40 sex partners ([[Dailey_undated-wb]]). The Bell and Weinberg study from 1978 further supports these results, indicating that 74% of males had over 100 partners, 41% over 500, and 28% over 1,000, with 75% stating that more than half of their partners were strangers and 65% having sex with over half their partners only once ([[Bell1978-cq]]). In contrast, a study on heterosexuals found that only 17% of men and 10% of women had more than one partner in the previous year ([[Schmidt1995-xi]]) Relationship stability also differs markedly. In Scandinavia, where same-sex civil unions have been legal for about two decades, studies found that same-sex male couples in Sweden were 35% more likely to divorce than heterosexual couples, and lesbian partners were over 200% more likely to divorce ([[Andersson2006-pn]]). ## Infidelity among LGBTQ+ Promiscuity and infidelity are particularly prevalent among homosexual couples. A recent study on gay male couples revealed that 41.3% had open sexual agreements with some conditions or restrictions, 10% had open sexual agreements with no restrictions on sex with outside partners, and 21.9% reported breaking their agreement in the preceding 12 months. These behaviors suggest that the vast majority of same-sex relationships lasting longer than five years involve consent to cheat ([[noauthor_undated-uy|Joseph Nicolosi]]). This trend is identified even among pro-gay theologians as indicative of "sexual immorality." Even if same-sex partnerships were deemed acceptable within a Christian framework, the rampant sexual immorality evidenced by higher numbers of sexual partners, frequent infidelity, and greater instability in relationships presents significant moral and ethical concerns. ## Argument Against Gender Affirming Care: Evidence and Sources 65% of people polled in Britain regret having various cosmetic surgeries such as tattoos, plastic surgery, or more extreme body modifications ([[Russell2014-zw]]). Given such high numbers, in no surprise that those the transition have regrets (Up to 20% have regret Sex changes are not effective, say researchers (sexchangeregret.com/regret-is-not-rare/). Left alone, the natural course of gender dysphoria is desistance by adulthood, (85-95%), unless it is affirmed ([[Heyer_undated-vw]]) **Medical Risks and Irreversibility** The FDA has issued warnings about puberty blockers, highlighting severe side effects such as brain swelling and vision loss ([[Food_and_Drug_Administration2022-be|Food and Drug Administration]]). Nearly half of the patients who had bottom surgery reported surgical site bleeding ([[Heyer_undated-vw]]) **Reports of Regret and Complications** A long-term study from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden found that individuals who underwent sex-reassignment surgery experienced a nearly 20-fold increase in suicide mortality compared to the general population, starting about ten years post-surgery ([[Hall_undated-mo]]). A recent study ([[Boyd2022-rj]]) in the U.K. showed a 10% detransition rate. Recent research with detransitioners indicated that three-quarters do not return to the treating providers to tell them about detransition. Detransitioners frequently report significant regret and unresolved mental health issues ([[Littman2021-ga]]). Walt Heyer, a former transgender individual, has documented 10,000+ emailed cases of regret and complications from gender reassignment surgery ([[Heyer_undated-vw]]). Adverse effects such as pain, sexual function concerns, and urinary dysfunction are common post-surgery. Sweden’s guidelines ([[Statens_beredning_for_medicinsk_och_social_utvardering_SBU2022-kr]])) noted that the existence of detransitioners revealed that “gender-confirming treatment thus may lead to a deteriorating of health and quality of life (i.e. harm).” **Underlying Causes and the Need for Alternative Approaches** Addressing the root causes and providing appropriate mental health support can lead to better long-term outcomes for individuals with gender dysphoria. Psychosocial support and therapy addressing underlying mental health issues, such as depression and adverse childhood experiences, should be prioritized over irreversible medical interventions ([[Bechard2017-fs]]). Sweden's National Board of Health and Welfare state that the risks of these “gender-affirming” medical interventions “currently outweigh the possible benefits, and that the treatments should be offered only in exceptional cases.” ([[noauthor_2022-kb|Vård av barn och ungdomar med könsdysfori]]), Finlands Council for Choices in Health Care ([[Cohere2020-cn]]|COHERE]])) also made similar conclusions ([[noauthor_undated-wr|PALKO]]) noting: “Gender reassignment medical interventions must be done with a great deal of caution, and no irreversible treatment should be initiated.” ## LGBTQ+ Children Are Less Likely To Thrive In a landmark study by sociologist Mark Regnerus from the University of Texas at Austin, published in the journal Social Science Research ([[Regnerus2012-dp]]), it was found that children raised by homosexual parents experience significantly worse outcomes compared to those raised by their married biological parents. This comprehensive and methodologically rigorous study challenges previous claims by highlighting numerous suboptimal outcomes for children of homosexual parents across 40 measured variables, ranging from educational attainment and employment status to mental health and experiences of sexual abuse. The study's findings suggest that the children of homosexual parents are more likely to experience negative impacts in their family of origin, suffer from depression, and face higher instances of sexual abuse and relationship issues. These results emphasize the importance of considering family structure in discussions around adoption, foster care, and same-sex marriage. ### Children of lesbian mothers (LMs) children of gay fathers (GF) did worse on 77 out of 80 outcome measures vs Children raised by IBF (intact biological families) The only exceptions: children of “gay fathers” were more likely to vote; children of lesbians used alcohol less frequently; and children of “gay fathers” used alcohol at the same rate as those in intact biological families. Children of homosexual parents: - Are much more likely to have received welfare (IBF 17%; LM 69%; GF 57%) - Have lower educational attainment - Report less safety and security in their family of origin - Report more ongoing “negative impact” from their family of origin - Are more likely to suffer from depression - Have been arrested more often - If they are female, have had more sexual partners—both male and female Children of lesbian mothers (who represented 71% of all the children with homosexual parents in this study): - Are more likely to be currently cohabiting - Are almost 4 times more likely to be currently on public assistance - Are less likely to be currently employed full-time - Are more than 3 times more likely to be unemployed - Are nearly 4 times more likely to identify as something other than entirely heterosexual - Are 3 times as likely to have had an affair while married or cohabiting - Are an astonishing 10 times more likely to have been “touched sexually by a parent or other adult caregiver” - Are nearly 4 times as likely to have been “physically forced” to have sex against their will - Are more likely to have “attachment” problems related to the ability to depend on others - Use marijuana more frequently - Smoke more frequently - Watch TV for long periods more frequently - Have more often pled guilty to a non-minor offense #### Sexual Partners: 1. **Opposite-Sex Partners**: - Daughters of homosexual fathers had twice as many opposite-sex partners as daughters of married biological parents. - Males and females raised by both lesbian mothers and homosexual fathers had more opposite-sex partners than those raised by married biological parents. 2. **Same-Sex Partners**: - Daughters of lesbian mothers had four times as many female (same-sex) partners compared to daughters of married biological parents. - Daughters of homosexual fathers had six times as many female (same-sex) partners. - Sons of both lesbian mothers and homosexual fathers had seven times as many male (same-sex) partners compared to sons of married biological parents. #### Sexual Abuse: 1. **Touched Sexually by a Parent or Other Adult Caregiver**: - 10 **TIMES** the amount of (23%) of children raised by a lesbian mother reported being touched sexually by a parent or caregiver, compared to only 2% of children of married biological parents. - 6% of children raised by a homosexual father reported being touched sexually by a parent or caregiver. - For female victims, the ratios were 3% (IBF), 31% (LM), and 10% (GF). 2. **Physically Forced to Have Sex Against Their Will**: - 8% of children of married biological parents reported being physically forced to have sex against their will. - 31% of children of lesbian mothers reported this experience. - 25% of children of homosexual fathers reported this experience. - For female victims, the figures were 14% (IBF), 46% (LM), and 52% (GF). > [!quote] [[Sprigg_undated-rc]] > The articles by Marks and Regnerus have completely changed the playing field for debates about homosexual parents, “gay families,” and same-sex “marriage.” The myths that children of homosexual parents are “no different” from other children and suffer “no harm” from being raised by homosexual parents have been shattered forever. Numerous studies indicate that the LGBTQ+ lifestyle is associated with significant health and social issues, impacting individuals and society adversely. Homosexual behavior is linked to various physical health problems, including higher rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like syphilis, gonorrhea, and HIV/AIDS. MSM have significantly higher lifetime STD rates compared to the general population and are also at greater risk for substance abuse, with elevated usage of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. Relationship stability is a considerable challenge within the LGBTQ+ community, with higher rates of multiple sexual partners, infidelity, and divorce. Furthermore, children raised by homosexual parents experience significantly worse outcomes, such as higher rates of depression, sexual abuse, and lower educational attainment, compared to those raised by married biological parents. Even within a Christian framework where same-sex partnerships might be considered acceptable, these findings reveal rampant sexual immorality, frequent infidelity, and considerable instability, presenting significant moral and ethical concerns.