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The prevalence of atypical sexual behaviors is notoriously difficult to estimate-some extraneous factors can inflate estimates, whereas others can deflate them.
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If, however, homosexuality repeatedly lacks or falls at the extremes of the range of those features, then homosexuality would more logically be classified as distinct from the paraphilias. If when considering these various features-prevalence, sex ratio, onset and course, fraternal birth order, physical height, handedness, IQ and cognitive neuropsychological profile, and neuroanatomy-homosexuality falls within the range typical of the paraphilias, then one would more reasonably deem homosexuality another member of that same family. The former would exclude homosexuality as a paraphilia, and the latter would include it.Īnother (and perhaps a more fruitful) approach to the question is to compare the various correlates and associated features of homosexuality with those of the acknowledged paraphilias. For example, paraphilias might reasonably be defined as sexual interests that are atypical for one’s species or, alternatively, as sexual interests that are atypical for one’s sex. That is, because the field has not yet identified any objective, observable characteristic by which to draw the line between sexual interests that are paraphilic and those that might be called euphilic (i.e., non-paraphilic), one can reasonably compose either broader or narrower definitions. Whether homosexuality is a paraphilia can be addressed by defining those terms as desired. People deserve respect and civil rights regardless of the scientific classification of their sexual interests. Moreover, and perhaps more importantly, questions of rights fall outside the purview of science.
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It is here that I must draw an important, but usually unmarked, distinction: I personally agree wholeheartedly that everyone with atypical sexual interests deserves respect and full recognition of all their civil rights however, I disagree that answers to scientific questions can be identified by presuming the desired outcome and then backwards-engineering one’s interpretation of the research data to guarantee arrival at that outcome. (Conversely, there exist groups, typically conservative religious groups, who claim that only mainstream, non-paraphilic heterosexuality is acceptable, making any distinctions among other sexual interests entirely moot.)
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Thus, thinking of paraphilias as merely another sexual orientation suggests the conclusion that everyone with an atypical sexual interest should benefit from greater tolerance. Homosexuality, more than any other atypical sexual interest, has achieved greater social acceptance over time, and advocates for other atypical sexual interests-BDSM, cross-dressing, diaperism, etc.-understandably seek the same recognition and rights. Atypical sexual interests remain highly stigmatized in Western society, especially in the United States. Is homosexuality a paraphilia? In the science of sexology, this is a fundamental question for understanding human sexual interests however, there also exist authors interested in the question because of perceived political implications.