Approximately one in 10 people in the U.S. is homosexual- that's about 25 million Americans. In order to come to a clearer understanding of homosexuality, the following commonly believed myths and stereotypes need to be reconsidered and, for the most part, discarded.

Myth #1: Homosexuals Can Easily Be Identified

Male homosexuals are stereotyped as being effiminate (acting like a woman), limp-wristed, delicately built, overly emotional, and having a lisping voice. Female homosexuals (lesbians) are thought to be masculine: having a stocky build, rough voice, short hair, wear men's clothing, and aggresive manner.

While some gay men and women do fall into these catagories, many do not. The behaviors and physical appearances of homosexuals range greatly (just as they do in the heterosexual population) from the macho-he-man to the ultra-feminine woman.

Myth #2: Homosexuals Prefer Certain Occupations

Although there are more "admitted" homosexuals in certain occupations, there are homosexuals in every occupation imaginable- they are just less likely to let others know of their homosexuality.

Myth #3: Homosexuals Can Turn Straight People Gay

Some people are afraid that homosexuality is something you can "catch;" or that a person can be lured, seduced, or recruited against her better judgement into a gay life. These beliefs are simply not true.

Just as a straight person does not turn a gay person to heterosexuality, a gay person does not turn a straight person to homosexuality.

Myth #4: Gays Wish They Could Be the Other Sex

Most men and women who are gay do not have a problem with gender identity. In other words, gay men think of themselves as men and are comfortable being men, and gay women are comfortable being women.�

Myth #5: Homosexuals Are Isolated and Lonely

This is a myth which was held more strongly 20 years ago than it is today. As more homosexuals have "come out," and let other people know they are gay, heterosexuals are finding that individuals they have learned are homosexual lead a social life as varied and active as their own.

Myth #6: Homosexuals Are Unable to Have Long-Term Relationships

The idea that homsexuals are promiscuous, flighty, and unable to commit or maintain a long-term relationship is not true. Many homosexual couples (and these are the people who are less visibe to the public eye) maintain close and commited relationships which last many years.

Myth #7: Homosexuality Is Unnatural

Homosexuals do not have the same sexual orientation as the majority of people, but this does not make them unnatural. In some ancient cultures, homosexual behavior was fully accepted; in others, it was not only accepted but encouraged.

Myth #8: Homosexuals Can Easily Give AIDS to Straight People

Today, most people know this is not true: AIDS is not a "gay disease" and almost one-third of the people with AIDS in the United States are heterosexual. And in the rest of the world, most people with AIDS are heterosexual.

Thinking about Myths

After considering some of the more common myths and stereotypes about homosexuality, it becomes clear that homosexuals are as varied a group of people as any other group.�

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Last Updated: January 27, 2000