A Compassionate Look at Sexual Diversity

Interest in understanding sexual and human diversity has evolved gradually, but accelerated notably at the end of the 20th century when the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from the list of mental disorders in 1973, marking the beginning of a significant shift in the way science and society addressed sexual orientation.

During the following decades, especially between the 1990s and 2000s, studies, social movements, and public policies promoting inclusion, respect, and protection of the rights of LGBTQ+ people have multiplied. In the psychological field, a consensus has consolidated that sexual diversity is a natural expression of the human condition, and that emotional well-being is deeply linked to the recognition and acceptance of that diversity.

Therefore, it is essential that those of us who live our faith also learn to look with an open heart. As a Catholic mother of two gay sons, I have walked a path of learning, love, and reconciliation between what I believe and what I live. And today I want to share a reflection that arises from that encounter between faith, science, and unconditional love.

What does psychology say about sexual diversity?

The international scientific community, including organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), has clearly established that:

• Sexual orientation is a natural variation of human experience. Being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or trans is not an illness or disorder.

• Sexual identity is not chosen or "corrected." So-called "conversion therapies" are harmful, ineffective, and ethically condemned.

• Family support is essential. LGBTQ+ people who receive acceptance and love from their families have better levels of mental health, self-esteem, and well-being.

• Inclusion saves lives. Living in environments that respect and value sexual diversity significantly reduces the risk of depression, anxiety, and suicide.

  
  

How do I reconcile this with my Catholic faith?

The doctrine of the Catholic Church teaches that every person is created in the image and likeness of God, with a dignity that does not depend on their sexual orientation. It also calls us to live love, mercy, and compassion as signs of our faith.

As a mother, I have learned that love does not contradict faith. Loving my children as they are, accompanying them on their journey, listening to them without prejudice, and defending their dignity does not distance me from God; on the contrary, it brings me closer to Him.

It is not always easy. There are questions that hurt, tensions that challenge, and moments when the heart searches for answers that are not always found in books. But in the midst of all this, I have found one certainty: true love never divides, it always unites.

A Message for Other Mothers and Fathers

If you are also a mother or father and are living this journey, I want to tell you that you are not alone. That it is possible to love deeply, live your faith authentically, and accompany your children with tenderness and respect. That science is not at war with faith, but can help us better understand the mystery of life and the beauty of human diversity.

And that, at the end of the day, what matters most is that our children know they are loved, that they have a place in the world, and that their existence is a gift.