Hormonal fun From the Greek, the word “hormone” is translated as “transmitting”, “encouraging something”. Hormones were discovered in 1902 by English physiologists, professors at the University of London William Maddock Bayliss and Ernest Henry Starling. More

Regulation by the negative feedback mechanism and hormonal influences on behavior If a hormone inhibits the activity of the centers that stimulate its synthesis and secretion, such feedback called negative. If increased hormone secretion leads to

7.4. Some hormonal effects with experimental and clinical disorders small intestine In the early 80s, many publications appeared in which it was reported that the transition from a hungry state to a fed state is accompanied by changes in the level of a number of intestinal and other

Sex is a set of genetic, morphological and physiological characteristics that provide sexual reproduction organisms. In the most in a broad sense sex is a complex of reproductive, somatic and social characteristics, defining an individual as a male or female organism. The sex of the unborn child is determined at the moment of conception: if a sperm carrying a female chromosome connects with a female reproductive cell, a girl is conceived, but if a sperm carries a male chromosome, a boy is conceived. Dioecy is the very first, most obligatory and most global phenomenon of human sexuality. The division of human individuals into men and women presupposes in each individual complete conformity anatomical structure genital organs, male and female body proportions (height, ratio of the width of the shoulders and pelvis, the severity and distribution of the subcutaneous fat layer, etc.), sexual identity (i.e. feeling like a representative of a certain sex) and, finally, the adequate orientation of the sexual attractions and the presence of corresponding stereotypes of sexual behavior. The absolute norm presupposes the unambiguous orientation of all components of the listed kind without a single exception; however, in sexological practice there is extreme variability in the composition of the human population, which served as the basis for identifying and considering such absolutes in the study of gender. independent categories and concepts such as transvestism, transsexualism, heterosexuality, bisexuality, homosexuality.

This variety of manifestations of gender is determined by the complexity of the mechanisms of its determination, which are based on a system of hierarchical relationships covering the range from genetic influences to the psychological choice of a sexual partner.

The formation of this system begins with the determination of genetic sex, determined by the set of sex chromosomes. Genetic sex, in turn, determines the gonadal (or real) sex, identified by the main indicator of gender - histological structure gonad. It is called true because, determining the gametic sex, i.e. the ability of the gonad to form sperm or eggs, gonads thereby reveal the role of a given individual in the process of reproduction. At the same time, gonadal sex also determines hormonal sex, i.e. the ability of the gonad to secrete specific sex hormones. Level and dominant focus hormonal influences determine the morphological (or somatic) sex (phenotype) of the subject, i.e. the structure and development of its internal and external genital organs, including the manifestations of secondary sexual characteristics. Social and psychological impact on gender the individual begins with civil (obstetric), i.e. determined by another person, gender. Civil gender determines the gender of upbringing (from the choice of clothing, hairstyle and games to the use of punishments for inappropriate sexual behavior), thereby shaping sexual identity, which in turn determines the sexual role played by the individual, primarily the selection of a partner.

Of particular interest is the sex ratio, which is not expressed by the expected statistical ratio of 1:1. Most scientists agree that male conceptions more than women's. Given by various authors data range from 180 to 120 conceptions of boys per 100 conceptions of girls. With secondary sex ratios at birth in most countries, per 1,000,000 births, the number of boys exceeds 510 thousand, while girls are fewer - 490 thousand. In the early 1980s, throughout the world, men made up 50.2 percent of the population, women 49.8 percent (in the USSR, respectively, 47 percent and 53 percent in 1987). It should be remembered that, however, the words “gender” and “sex” are often equated, but they have different meaning. The term "sex" is used in relation to phenomena associated with the differentiation and difference of men and women, while the term "sex" refers to personality, psychological characteristics relationships and erotic feelings.

Many authors use the terms “sex” and “gender” interchangeably. However, each of these terms has its own specific meaning. Gender refers to whether we are biologically male or female. Biological sex is characterized by two aspects: genetic sex, determined by our sex chromosomes, and anatomical sex, which includes the obvious physical differences between men and women. The concept of gender covers a range of specific psychosocial meanings that complement the concept of biological masculinity and femininity. Thus, while our gender is determined by various physical attributes (chromosomes, the presence of a penis or vulva, etc.), then our gender includes the psychological and sociocultural characteristics associated with our gender. In other words, our gender characterizes our “masculinity” or “femininity.” In this chapter we will use the terms masculinity (masculinity) and femininity (femininity) to characterize forms of behavior typical of men or women. One of the undesirable aspects of using such labels is that they can limit the range of behaviors that people feel comfortable exhibiting. Thus, a man may refrain from showing concern for fear of appearing effeminate, and a woman may avoid confident behavior for fear of looking like a man. Our intention is not to reinforce the stereotypes associated with such labels. However, we believe it is necessary to use these terms when discussing gender issues.
Gender – Biological membership in a community of men or women.
Gender – The psychosocial and sociocultural characteristics associated with our gender.
When we meet people for the first time, we immediately pay attention to their gender and, based on their gender, make assumptions about their most likely behavior. In other words, we make gender assumptions. For most people, gender assumptions make up important element everyday social contacts. We divide people into those belonging to either our sex or another. (We avoid the term opposite sex because we believe its use exaggerates the differences between men and women.) Many of us have difficulty interacting with people whose gender we are not entirely sure of. Not being convinced that we have correctly identified the gender of our interlocutor, we experience confusion and awkwardness.
Gender assumptions. Assumptions we make about how people are likely to behave based on their gender.

Gender identity and gender roles

Gender identity refers to a person’s subjective sense of belonging to the male or female sex. Most people already during the first years of life begin to recognize themselves as male or female. However, there is no guarantee that a person's gender identity will match their biological sex. Thus, some people experience significant discomfort when trying to identify themselves as a man or a woman. We will look at this issue in more detail below.
Gender identity. Psychological feeling yourself as a man or a woman.
The term gender role (sometimes the term sex role is used) denotes a set of attitudes and behaviors that are considered normal and acceptable (adequate) in a certain culture for representatives of a particular gender. Gender roles give people behavioral expectations associated with their gender that they must meet. Behavior that is considered socially acceptable for a man is called masculine, and for a woman - feminine. In the following discussion, when we use the terms masculine and feminine, we will mean these socialized ideas.
Gender role – A set of attitudes and behaviors that are considered normal and acceptable in a certain culture for representatives of a particular gender.
Gender role expectations are culturally determined and vary from one society to another. Thus, in Chambuli society, manifestations of emotionality on the part of men are considered quite normal. American society holds slightly different views on this issue. Kissing on the cheek is considered a feminine form of behavior and is therefore viewed as inappropriate between men in American society. At the same time, such behavior does not contradict male role expectations in many European and eastern cultures.
In addition to cultural characteristics, our ideas about “masculinity” and “femininity” are also determined by historical era, in the context of which relevant forms of behavior are considered. So, if in an American family of the 50s the father stayed at home and took care of his children preschool age While his wife was traveling on business, his behavior would probably have been a matter of extreme surprise, if not ridicule. Today, young couples are much more likely to share household responsibilities among themselves. They come from practical considerations rather than preconceived notions of how men and women “should” behave. Modern stage The development of our society, more than any other period in its history, is a period of revision of male and female roles. Many of those who were raised under the influence of rigid gender role stereotypes are now experiencing the consequences of their upbringing and strive to free themselves from its constraining mechanisms. The fact that we are participating in this historical process can cause us both admiration and confusion. Later in this chapter (and in subsequent chapters of this book) we will discuss the influence of both traditional and new gender roles. But first, let's look at the process by which our gender identity is formed.

Formation of gender identity

Like the color of our hair and eyes, gender is an aspect of our personality that most people take for granted. Indeed, gender identity is usually, although not always, “a natural complement” to certain biological organs that we have. However, gender identity is not limited to just having the appearance of a man or a woman. As we will soon see, there are two answers to the question of how we come to think of ourselves as either a man or a woman. The first explanation comes down to biological processes that begin shortly after conception and are completed before birth. The basis of the second explanation is the theory social learning, which looks at the cultural influences that impact us during early childhood. This theory explains both the characteristics of our gender identity and the personal significance for us of being male or female. But we'll start by looking at biological processes involved in the formation of gender identity.

Personality can be considered as a collection of all possible individual characteristics, socially significant features, identifying a person as a member of society and characterizing his personal qualities. At this point, the average person begins to get confused in terms, believing that gender identity is exclusively sexual orientation, and if it differs from the generally accepted one, it must certainly be corrected. In reality, everything is somewhat more complicated, and many people are surprised to discover traits of the opposite gender in themselves, recognizing this as completely normal.

Determining a person's gender identity

First of all, it is worth noting that gender is not sex, but a set of characteristics that complement sexual self-determination. Therefore, sex is called male and female, and gender, respectively, masculine and feminine. There is no doubt about gender: it is determined physiological signs, a set of chromosomes and a corresponding type of genitalia, while gender identity is characteristics that are not tied to biological characteristics.

To put it simply, it is gender that is responsible for the realization of “real women” and “real men.” According to standard stereotypical reasoning, a representative of each gender must meet certain ideal ideas of society about itself. A woman must be fragile, beautiful, sexually attractive, and be strictly interested in raising children and managing household, and a man is traditionally presented in the role of breadwinner, breadwinner, warrior and even master, the presence of the “correct” appearance is mandatory. Where in each individual does this perception of gender appear?

Congenital or acquired?

Proponents of the “biology as fate” theory insist that all necessary gender traits are innate in every child. Any deviations from the pattern are perceived as perversion or illness. However, the formation of gender identity largely depends on society, and even if a child is raised exclusively in the family, he sees the appropriate behavior of parents and other relatives.

If parents are disappointed that a child was born of the wrong gender that they dreamed of, a semi-conscious desire may appear to “remake” the offspring to fit the model established in their dreams. Similar cases are observed not only in fiction, but also in real life. The formation of gender identity occurs under pressure, and more often girls are raised as boys than vice versa. This is largely due to the prevailing attitude in our society that a real man must have a son. The absence of a child of the required gender encourages fathers and mothers to sublimate, adjusting the “failed offspring” to some speculative model.

Childhood through the prism of gender

IN early childhood babies are not aware of either sex or gender, only by the age of two they absorb the differences between boys and girls. The sudden discovery is the presence or absence of a penis. What follows is a parental explanation of why skirts and bows can only be worn if there is no penis, but play with cars and pistols if there is one. Of course, a child’s gender identity is always based on signals of approval or censure received from the outside and is fixed on a subconscious level. It has been noticed that already in kindergarten kids transmit their internalized attitudes to their peers and sometimes even choose toys not according to their own preferences, but according to the principle of correctness for their gender.

Why then does the gender identity of adolescents begin to “fail”? Puberty is marked not only by obvious changes in physique. An active search for oneself begins, the formation of a personality, and this requires questioning authoritative opinions. The reproachful remark “you’re a girl” or “you’re a boy,” calling for a certain gender model, causes quite natural opposition. To be fair, it is worth noting that parents, in their desire to raise a “correct” child at any cost, go to ridiculous extremes. For example, they forbid their son to take up dancing or music, considering these to be exclusively unmanly activities.

Types of Gender Identity

According to biological norms, people are divided strictly into two sexes - male and female. Any deviations in this area are due to a genetic failure. To a certain extent, this can be corrected by modern medical methods. Then purely social and cultural characteristics begin, which may differ depending on the country and local traditions. The so-called “third sex” - hermaphrodites (with the biological presence of sexual characteristics of both sexes) and people with non-traditional gender identity, is legally recognized in only ten countries: Canada, Australia, Great Britain, with some reservations Germany, New Zealand, Pakistan, Thailand, India, Nepal and Bangladesh. Several other countries recognize the existence of the third gender as a cultural tradition, but from the point of view of legislation, this is a kind of twilight side of life, which they prefer not to focus on.

Initially, two gender types were distinguished: masculine, characteristic of men, and feminine, corresponding to the female gender. The officially androgynous type, which appeared in the relatively recent past, represents a kind of “arithmetic mean” between the main two gender types. Anthropologists and sociologists also classify bigenders, transgender people, gender queers and agender people into separate categories. Perhaps this is a desire to push the generally accepted boundaries until they completely disappear and bring gender tolerance to an unattainable absolute. In ordinary life, a few terms are enough without going into details.

Masculinity

Masculine gender identity is a combination of a distinctly masculine physique and the fulfillment of a masculine social role, as well as corresponding character traits, habits, preferences and behavior. In addition to clearly positive characteristics, aggression is considered the norm for masculinity. In other words, when a crying boy is told “be a man,” this is meant as a requirement to conform to the pattern according to which men do not cry, since this is an exclusively female privilege.

Femininity

Feminine gender identity is the opposite of masculine, a combination of a feminine physique and a traditional female social role, including some ideal “feminine” character traits, habits and inclinations. It’s interesting that in society, literally everything is perceived through a gender prism, starting with the color of a baby’s onesie.

If you put pink tights on a boy, a significant portion of adults will either confuse him with a girl, or be outraged that his parents want to raise him to be a girl. A visual signal of feminine identity is clothing styles or colors that correspond to the female gender. A masculine man will have to prove his right to wear a bright flowered shirt with his fists. Fortunately, fashion from time to time insists on zero tolerance and breaking down gender barriers in clothing choices.

Androgyny

It is interesting that androgyny itself existed at all times, but was considered somewhat reprehensible, as if this feature of gender identity was a malicious desire of the androgyne to mislead others. Basically, androgyny relies on visual signals - if a person does not have a pronounced masculinity or femininity, it is difficult to determine at first glance whether the person in front of you is a girl or a boy. Disguise is exacerbated by unisex clothing and behavior.

A striking example can be considered Brune, the heroine from the Strugatsky brothers’ story “Hotel “At the Dead Mountaineer,” who was presented as “the child of the late brother du Barnstoker.” Brun's behavior and appearance did not make it possible to determine what gender this creature actually was, so they wrote about her in the neuter gender until it turned out that she was really a girl.

Gender and sexual orientation

Contrary to popular misconception, the concept of gender identity is completely unrelated to sexual orientation. In other words, a feminine man with a completely non-brutal appearance is not necessarily homosexual, and a short-haired bodybuilder in camouflage does not show lesbian tendencies.

The concept of gender is primarily related to behavior and social role and is only indirectly based on sexuality. Thus, attempts to suppress “wrong sexuality” by putting pressure on the visual component of gender identity do not bring any results. At the same time, one should not discount the possibility of complex influence external factors on the development of sexuality. Sexologists argue that orientation crystallizes gradually, each person goes through a unique path of personality development, including intimate preferences.

Who are bigenders and transgender people?

Bigender can be considered one of the variants of victorious tolerance based on gender in a single individual’s head. If a person takes on certain social functions without passing them through the analysis of stereotypes, we get a fairly harmonious and self-sufficient personality. In the confrontation between genders, expediency and skillful application of talents and inclinations win out among bigenders. A man can take on a female social role without considering himself a victim of circumstances; a woman also copes well with a male role. IN modern world gender boundaries have become somewhat erased, the textbook “mammoth hunt” is increasingly moving from physical work V mental work, and a skilled earner becomes not the owner of muscles and excess testosterone, but an individual with a high degree of intelligence. The gender of the breadwinner does not play a role in this matter.

Another issue, if transgenderism occurs, is the discrepancy between biological and gender self-perception. To put it simply, a transgender person can be called a man who prefers a female social role, including some visual attributes. If he really feels like a woman “to the core”, and physical body does not correspond to self-determination, then we are talking about transsexuality. In a gender sense, this is not a man. A person thinks like a woman, feels and perceives the world and himself exclusively from a feminine position. In this case, it is recommended to correct the discrepancy of biological sex through a transgender transition. However, not all people who have changed their biological sex feel like transsexuals. This is a rather confusing situation with many individual solutions.

Sexism as a catalyst for gender dysphoria

If the formation of gender identity occurred with a discrepancy in biological parameters, this is called This concept includes all disorders of gender identification that are in the project International classification diseases approximately since 2018 (ICD 11) have been moved from the section of psychiatric disorders to the category of sexology. This condition can be superficial or deep, depending on the degree of rejection of one’s own biological sex.

Sociologists and sexologists note that minor gender dysphoria can be aggravated by manifestations of sexism, especially if they attack a child or teenager. For example, machismo, as a radical and aggressive form of the masculine model, can demonstrate outright misogyny - the idea that everything inherent in women is defective is transmitted into the surrounding space. Being a woman is shameful, but being like a woman is even worse. Sexist remarks can lead a child to logical chain: “I don’t want to be a despised object, being a man is wonderful, being a woman is shameful.” The same principle also works in the opposite direction: if a boy’s environment is dominated by derogatory characteristics about men, he subconsciously begins to desire to belong to the “privileged” category of humanity. Biological sex interferes with this, and gender identity disorder develops.

Contrary to the worries of adherents of the traditional model of patriarchal society, gender tolerance does not at all lead to chaos and loss of social and cultural guidelines. On the contrary, the absence of radical sexism and aggression reduces tension in society, reduces the likelihood of developing dysphoria and promotes the growth of each individual person.

Does your son show interest in cosmetics and girls' clothing?
When such behavior patterns appear in children of middle adolescence, their parents often begin to feel worried and have many questions: Is my child's behavior abnormal? Should I try to change it? Does my child need specialist help?
In fact, some of the characteristics of a child's gender begin to develop long before middle adolescence. A child's awareness of his gender - whether a boy or a girl - comes already in the first year of life. This often begins as early as 8-10 months of age, when the baby first discovers his genitals. After this, between the ages of one and two, children come to understand the physical differences between boys and girls; up to three years of age, as the child acquires a certain idea of ​​himself, he can already firmly say whether he is a boy or a girl. By the age of four, the definition of a child distinctive features his gender becomes stable, and he knows for sure that he will always be a boy or a girl.
At the same time, children learn the distinctive behavior of people of one gender or another - they do things “that boys should do” or “that girls should do.” Even before the age of three, children are able to distinguish between toys that are usually identified with boys or girls (cars or dolls). By age three, they know more about the activities, interests, and activities of boys and girls; many of them start playing with children of the same sex. You've probably noticed that your daughter prefers to play with dolls, bake pies and play house. My son, on the contrary, plays more energetic and active games and shows interest in toy soldiers and cars. These distinctive behaviors, including the toys children play with and the games they participate in, depend on how the child is raised and the expectations placed on him or her.
On average adolescence The distinctive characteristics of gender continue to be strongly manifested not only in the child's preferences to play with children of the same sex, but also in his desire to behave, look and have the same things as his peers of the same sex. During this period, you will notice how your child expresses his gender identity using behavioral characteristics of one or another gender (and they began to appear already in the preschool years):

1. Through his or her toys, play choices, homework, and roles in the family. More often than not, boys prefer to play “typical boy” games with masculine characteristics, while girls prefer “typical girl” activities with feminine characteristics.
2. Through behavior in society, which reflects the degree of aggressiveness, dominance, submission and gentleness of character.
3. Through the manner and way of expressing behavioral and physical gestures and facial expressions, as well as other non-verbal actions that are characteristic of men or women.
4. Through social relationships, including the gender of the friends the child chooses and the people he tries to imitate. IN elementary school Children continue to be more influenced by other children of the same sex: boys play more with boys and girls play more with girls. In the early school years, boys often express strong dislike for girls and vice versa - perhaps this serves as a means of strengthening their personal distinctiveness.

A child's gender-distinctive behavior is likely to be strongly influenced by his identification with the men and women in his life. All children acquire characteristic features men and women who surround them, incorporating these characteristics into their own individual characteristics and value systems. In addition, they are influenced by the heroes of television programs and sporting events, as well as adults taking part in other activities of their lives. After some time, the combined effect of all these influences may be decisive for the consolidation of many masculine or feminine qualities. Perhaps the most significant factor is the subtlety of each child's relationship with his or her father and mother, and the patterns of parental behavior toward each other and toward the child that influence his or her expression of gender-specific behaviors.

Stereotypes of child sexual behavior

Stereotypes characteristic features masculine and feminine behavior have a strong place in our society, and when a child's inclinations and interests differ from accepted forms of behavior, he is often subject to ridicule and discrimination.
It's understandable for you as a parent to be concerned about how your teen is accepted by society. You try to teach him how to behave in society so that he can choose correct actions, being a member of a given culture, even if in some cases they conflict with his interests and abilities. Nevertheless, you should correctly evaluate your good intentions aimed at subordinating him to certain norms, and do not forget that the child should feel comfortable and at peace with himself. Even if he does not fit the accepted stereotypes - for example, if your son does not show much success in sports or is absolutely not interested in them - there are always many different opportunities and areas for the manifestation of abilities. Each child has his own strengths and weaknesses, and in some cases they may not meet the expectations of the surrounding society or himself. However, they can still serve as a source of his present and future success and confidence.
Let us note, not without irony, that stereotypes evolve over time. Over the past few decades, there has been a wave of ongoing changes in gender roles and behavior. Women today are expected to show more self-confidence and “feminism” than their mothers and grandmothers showed. Society expects men to be gentler, more compassionate, and more “feminist.”
So, don't try to force your child to conform to the norm. at the moment or traditional forms of sexual behavior, and instead help him develop his own unique potential. Don't pay too much attention or concern to whether interests and strengths baby social roles, defined by society at the moment. Give him the opportunity to express himself in his own way.

When there is a mixture of the distinctive characteristics of the sexes

At times, children experience gender role confusion. For example, boys not only cease to show interest in sports, but also identify themselves with the female gender. In the same way, some girls exhibit more masculine characteristics.
As a result of contradictions in gender, children may deny the difference between the sexes. Instead of learning to accept himself for who he really is, the child may express dislike for the part of himself that makes him a boy or a girl.
In the most extreme cases a boy may act more feminine and exhibit one of the following characteristics.

• He wants to be a girl.
• He wants to grow up to be a woman.
• He shows increased interest in female birth activities, including playing with dolls or playing as a girl or woman.
• He shows an increased interest in cosmetics, jewelry, or girls' clothing, and enjoys wearing girls' clothing.
• His favorite friends are girls.
• On rare occasions, he may wear clothes of the opposite sex and actually consider himself a girl.

Boys who exhibit feminine traits are in some cases ridiculed, teased by their peers as homosexuals, and shunned. This rejection of a boy can only intensify as he grows up. As a result, boys become withdrawn, insecure or depressed, and begin to struggle with their self-esteem and social relationships.
On the other hand, girls who identify with boys are called tomboys. As a rule, they face less ridicule and difficulties in relationships with peers than effeminate boys. For many girls, a certain amount of mischief is a natural behavior aimed at developing a healthy teenage gender identity. However, in rare cases, girls exhibit the following characteristic features.

• They express a desire to be a boy.
• They prefer to be friends and communicate with boys.
• During games with fictional characters and events, they prefer male roles.

These characteristic features cause contradictions or confusion between the sexes and relationships with peers of the same sex. Probable Causes these variations are hypothetical and contradictory. Research results prove that a certain role in the mixing of the characteristics of the sexes is played by both biological factors and social skills.
Family and parental influences can also contribute to gender confusion. Research family relations show that effeminate boys have very close relationships with their mothers and cold relationships with their fathers. Research suggests that the mothers of some effeminate boys themselves promote and support the “feminine” occupations of their sons.
Parents of such children often ask whether mixed behavior will affect sexual preferences and orientation later, that is, whether their child will become homosexual. Long-term research suggests that some (but by no means all) effeminate tomboyish boys and girls actually become bisexual or homosexual in later adolescence and adulthood.

What to do?

If your middle-adolescent child exhibits confusion and gender confusion, talk to him or her directly about the behavior of boys and girls, men and women. For example, talk to your child about characteristic mannerisms or behavior that might cause others to react, and work with him to determine more appropriate actions. Empathetic dialogue can help your child better understand their behavior and why it is causing them to react the way they do from their peers. Supporting your child will strengthen their self-esteem and help them resist the peer and social pressure they face.
In addition to your own efforts, talk to your pediatrician, who may recommend that you seek advice from child psychiatrist or a psychologist to help a teenager overcome teenage gender confusion and internal conflict. Consultation with a specialist in the field mental health may be necessary if there are issues in gender identification, especially if at least one of the following points is present:

• the child refuses to accept his biological sex;
• the child plays only with children of the opposite sex;
• At school, the child is socially isolated and/or is teased or ridiculed by peers.

Professional intervention on early stage can help a child with signs of sexual confusion. However, there is little evidence that mental health interventions can actually have an impact on gender identification in middle adolescence.
Our society continues to move towards breaking down many of the stereotypes that define and limit our behavior, creating an atmosphere of greater gender equality and balance. The need or desire to receive professional help should only be to some extent determined by a certain discomfort within the family - much more by the social discomfort of the child himself.

Child's sexual orientation

A child's sexual orientation is an area that may cause concern for some parents. The interests and behavior of a child in middle adolescence may cause concern on the part of the mother and father regarding existing probability that their child is homosexual. They may punish the child for no reason or seek help from a specialist to ensure that their child becomes heterosexual.
However, this is a time when approval and support are paramount for the child. A person’s physical and emotional attraction to persons of the same or opposite sex is a biological phenomenon. Some recent research suggests that a homosexual man's brain—especially the amount of tissue in the hypothalamus region—is different from a heterosexual man's brain. Only in rare cases, if any, is sexual orientation determined personal experience and the environment.
Your child's sexual orientation will actually be firmly established by middle age. But since there is virtually no way to test and identify sexual orientation, it may go unnoticed by other family members until adolescence and beyond. Meanwhile, remember that many children try various shapes relationships with their peers, which may be confused with heterosexual or homosexual orientation.
The biggest challenge for homosexual children and parents is the social pressure to behave heterosexually and the discrimination they are likely to face because of their sexual orientation. This can cause them to become isolated from their peers and even family, causing their self-esteem and self-confidence to suffer greatly. A significant portion of attempts teenage suicide associated with issues of gender confusion and conscious rejection of a boy or girl with a homosexual orientation.
Sexual orientation cannot be changed. The child's heterosexuality or homosexuality is firmly rooted, becoming part of it. The most important role Your job as a parent is to show your child your understanding, respect and support. A non-judgmental approach will help you gain your child's trust and better position, thanks to which you can help him cope with this difficult period of his life. You must provide your child with your help and support, regardless of his sexual orientation.