Modern scientific research and changes in the legal field demonstrate that sexual orientation is an immutable characteristic, determined by biology and the complex psychophysiology of a person.

Immutable Identity: Scientific and Legal Perspectives on Sexual Orient

Modern scientific research and changes in the legal field demonstrate that sexual orientation is an immutable characteristic, determined by biology and the complex psychophysiology of a person. The introduction of new medical approaches and the revision of regulatory acts show that orientation is not a disorder requiring “treatment” or correction, but rather is recognized as a natural part of individual identity.

Initially, views on the classification of sexual orientation sparked many discussions, yet modern data emphasize its innate nature. Historical analyses reveal that the distinction between “innate” and “acquired” types only confirms the importance of biological foundations; consequently, attempts to change orientation through specific methodologies prove not only ineffective, but can also exacerbate psychological issues.

Additional attention from mental health research indicates that coercion or attempts to interfere with one’s natural orientation are often accompanied by negative consequences, including increased risks of depression and other mental disorders. Thus, modern approaches in both medicine and law clearly stress the importance of respecting the natural state of a person, supported by objective facts and scientific evidence.

In summary, the stability of sexual orientation is confirmed by comprehensive studies and legislative changes. Accepting this position not only aligns with scientific truth, but also contributes to the protection of mental health by ensuring respect for each individual’s unique characteristics.

Is it possible to change sexual orientation through targeted efforts, and what scientific data confirm or refute this?

Scientific data indicate that sexual orientation is considered a stable characteristic, and modern research as well as changes in the medical and legal sectors do not support the possibility of altering it through targeted efforts. In particular, one source emphasizes that homosexuality was reinterpreted from a medical perspective: “For the first time in the history of periodic reviews, homosexuality was removed from the category of ‘disease’ and defined as ‘sexual orientation,’ which, according to the Note, in itself is not even considered a disorder. Subsequently, in April 1993, a new version of Article 121 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation was adopted…” (source: link txt). This indicates that key institutions in medicine and law do not view orientation as something abnormal requiring correction through specific methods.

Historical perspectives on the classification of sexual orientation, as noted by P. B. Gunnushkin, suggest a division into two types: “active (innate, ‘true’) and passive (acquired, ‘environmental’ or ‘cultured’)” (source: link txt). This approach emphasizes that many aspects of sexual orientation are determined by innate biological features and, consequently, cannot be changed through targeted intervention.

Furthermore, studies note a connection between belonging to a sexual minority and increased risks of mental disorders, indicating that any attempts to interfere with natural orientation may only worsen psychological problems (source: link txt). This also confirms that targeted efforts to change orientation are not scientifically substantiated and can endanger mental health.

Thus, the presented scientific data and changes in medical and legal classifications clearly demonstrate that sexual orientation is a stable characteristic, and targeted attempts to change it are not only unsupported by scientific evidence but also carry risks for mental health.

Supporting citation(s):
“For the first time in the history of periodic reviews, homosexuality was removed from the category of ‘disease’ and defined as ‘sexual orientation,’ which, according to the Note, in itself is not even considered a disorder. Subsequently, in April 1993, a new version of Article 121 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation was adopted, where, for the first time, contrary to centuries-old tradition, the provision on criminal liability for sodomy was absent.” (source: link txt)

“P. B. Gunnushkin in 1933 wrote: ‘It is absolutely certain that, as a rule, in most people before the onset of sexual maturity, sexual desire shows great instability, especially in relation to its target and object. Alongside this, elements of normal sexual feeling gradually atrophy and fade.’ Practically all researchers distinguish two types of homosexuality – active (innate, ‘true’) and passive (acquired, ‘environmental’ or ‘cultured’).” (source: link txt)

“Meanwhile, research results show an evident connection between sexual orientation and mental health challenges, including suicide: JAMA 3/3, May-June 2000. During the study, out of 1007 young people, twenty-eight were identified as a sexual minority (gay, lesbian, bisexual). It was within this group that mental disorders, such as ‘a severe form of depression, generalized severity...’ were identified.” (source: 223_1114. txt)