Publisher's Synopsis
Outing the Truth about Sexual OrientationBrad Bowins, M.D., F.R.C.P.(C)No aspect of who we are generates more inner confusion, turmoil, and misunderstanding than sexual orientation.As a psychiatrist I have treated many people suffering from issues related to sexual orientation. We all live it but no one really understands it. A key to this mystery is the so-called evolutionary paradox of how behavior that does not lead to reproduction could ever have evolved. Current theories turn out to be flawed upon close unbiased examination. There is hope for understanding this major aspect of who we are, but it requires a major paradigm shift. To varying degrees virtually every theory to date assumes that sexual orientation categories are true occurrences. In Outing The Truth About Sexual Orientation four components are presented that in combination explain sexual orientation-Sexual orientation dimensions, activation of these dimensions, erotic fantasy, and social construction of sexual orientation.Critical to this paradigm shift is the notion that we all have separate homoerotic and hetererotic capacities varying in strength. The dominant one tends to be active, but circumstances can activate the less dominant one, helping to explain many puzzling events, such as why same-sex settings often trigger more homoerotic behavior, and the impact of sexual abuse on sexual orientation behavior. Erotic fantasy, derived from the evolution of human intelligence, typically serves to activate sexual orientation dimensions.In some ptimitive cultures, there is no such thing as sexual orientation categories! We have transformed homoerotic and heteroerotic behaviors into false identities. When homoerotic motivation is stronger than heteroerotic a homosexual identity is assumed, and a heterosexual identity when the opposite profile occurs. Behaviors inconsistent with the given identity tend to be deactivated.By understanding that we all have heteroerotic and homoerotic motivations, that can be activated and deactivated by circumstances, and focusing on behavior instead of identities, the widespread confusion, turmoil, and misunderstanding is easily resolved. Consequently, there will be far less neurosis surrounding sexual orientation. In addition, discrimination and persecution should fall off dramatically, because it is ludicrous to persecute someone for a capacity that you also have. Of course, some of the outwardly directed anger inherent in discrimination and persecution arises from the inner confusion, turmoil, and misunderstanding. Hence, by resolving the latter, the perspective presented will take the heat out of discrimination and persecution. The evolutionary paradox of how behavior seemingly blocking reproduction could ever have evolved, is easily explained by the model presented-Given that there are separate homoerotic and heteroerotic dimensions that can be activated by circumstances, including an opportunity to reproduce, the presence of one does not in any way exclude the other, except when behaviors are transformed into identities that deactivate inconsistent behaviors.The book presents this paradigm altering perspective on sexual orientation in chapters consisting of: -Discrimination.-Psychological theories.-Biological theories.-Animal "homosexuality."-Sexual orientation dimensions.-Purposes of homoerotic behavior.-Activation/deactivation of sexual orientation dimensions.-Erotic fantasy and sexual orientation.-Social construction of sexual orientation.-Transgender and homoerotic/heteroerotic behavior.It will be approximately 50,000 words in length, and will target a diverse audience, essentially anyone who is curious about sexual orientation issues. In addition, given that the book is well researched and presents a comprehensive model of sexual orientation, it will also appeal to sexual study students, and both professionals and policy makers working in areas linked to sexual orientation issues.
