Turning straight gay

First of all, men in other cultures, including non-Western societies and those of ancient Greece, have been known to participate in a transitory period of ritualistic homosexuality at some point during their lives. Sex between two consenting adults, like eating ice cream, should be about pleasure, personal preferences, or expressions of love and affection, not about social rules and definitions.

Studies have found that a significant number of heterosexual men report having had at least one same-sex experience. 

When examining research on sexually fluid behavior among straight men, several studies provide valuable insights into the prevalence of same-sex experiences and how they relate to sexual identity. “I read books and listened to audiotapes about how to have a ‘corrective and healing relationship with Jesus Christ,’” writes James Guay, a gay man who attended weekly therapy and conversion seminars as a teen.

Exposure to continuous or fluid theories of sexual orientation leads some heterosexuals to embrace less-exclusive heterosexual orientations. For the 698,000 LGBT adults in the United States who have received conversion therapy—many against their will—the aftereffects of the practice are all too real. Sexual fluidity reflects one possible change over time, a change that fits into the greater diversity of sexuality.”

Social and psychological factors behind fluidity

A combination of curiosity, social expectations, and internal conflict often shapes sexual fluidity among straight men.

One key aspect of communication is working to dismantle the stigma associated with non-traditional experiences.

Removing Stigma

• Challenging Stereotypes: Stigma and homophobia often arise from stereotypes and misconceptions about non-traditional experiences. Harvard University Press.
  

  These terms acknowledge that identity isn’t always a permanent or clear-cut decision. Male sexual fluidity leads to an understanding that human sexuality often doesn’t fit into neat categories.

  Lately, I have been doing a lot of speaking at various PFLAG meetings (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) to share the research findings from my book: Coming Out, Coming Home: Helping Parents Adjust to a Gay or Lesbian Child (www.comingoutcominghome.com).

  However, sexual identity doesn’t always align perfectly with sexual behavior.

  Understanding Sexual Identity vs. This suggests that sexual behavior doesn’t always align with self-identified sexual orientation​.

  The National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior reports “While about 7% of adult women and 8% of men identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual, the proportion of individuals in the U.S.

  who have had same-gender sexual interactions at some point in their lives is considerably higher.”

  Noted researcher Sabra L. Katz-Wise writes, “As people experience the world and learn more about themselves, their views, beliefs, and feelings may change. In modern discussions of sexuality, fluidity has gained greater recognition as people increasingly challenge traditional, rigid definitions of sexual orientation identity. 

  This brings us to a common question: can straight men have gay experiences and still identify as straight?

  But for those who have been on the receiving end of the “therapy”—and those who still face pressure to receive it—its aftereffects can linger long past any bill or executive order.