October 12, 2012

     This week in Family Relations, we have been talking about gender roles and how they affect the family. Today's emphasis was on same-sex attractions. It was kind of an intense discussion as we explored the reasons for people being homosexual. Some of the things we discussed that might influence these tendencies are the relationships with father and son and mother and son. Generally, if the father finds out his son is having these tendencies, he will try to get the son to do more manly things. This may start at a young age. The mother of this son might be overwhelmingly involved in the son's life. Another factor that might influence homosexuality would be exposure to people telling them they are gay or hinting towards it. Putting those thoughts in that child's head could make them believe that they are true and there isn't any way of getting out of it. Other homosexuals likely have experienced molestation or pornography. These things are what end up sexualizing the person and bringing out those hormones. When that person reacts to those stipulations, they may think, "I guess this means I'm gay..."
     These theories aren't all going to be true for every homosexual person. But they may be a big influential factor. The thing I think is important to realize if you think your son is behaving in a feminine way or your daughter is behaving more masculine, is it may not be true. Assuming it is could be detrimental to your child. Putting that idea in their heads is what may or may not start it. We must remember that it is not a bad thing for boys to display more feminine qualities. If you think about the Savior, He displayed a lot of these qualities: nurturing, caring, being sensitive, showing emotions, etc. He is the best example of masculinity. If you are a father struggling with a son that you think may be gay, try to strengthen the relationship you have with him instead of trying to change his behavior and tendencies. The latter will push your son away and be more likely to do the opposite of what you want him to do.
   Please feel free to comment!:)