When two people cross paths, get to know each other and then fall in love, it is one of the most beautiful things in the world. You often see a woman and a man walking down the street holding hands - but are there other types of relationships? Can two women or two men love each other, live together and maybe even start a family? Is there such a thing as same-sex love? A simple question with a simple answer: Yes, it is possible! Love has so many facets.
How do I teach children about same-sex love in an age-appropriate way
If two people of the same sex love each other (i.e. a woman with another woman or a man with another man), it is called a homosexual relationship. “Homo” comes from Latin and means “equal”.
That's why we call the whole thing a "same-sex" relationship. If it's two men, it's called "gay." If it's two women in a relationship, it's called a "lesbian." In English, it's simply called "gay."
Now that we have covered all the important basics of same-sex love, what is so special about such relationships? Many people assume that it is normal for a man and a woman to love each other. The idea of a same-sex couple is no longer so abstract and unique these days, but there are still some people who do not approve of such relationships.
That's why women who love women or men who love men often have problems because they are insulted and excluded by others. It is therefore important to show that love is always something good and completely normal - regardless of the gender. Since most people have already understood this, no one needs to be afraid to come out anymore. (That's what it's called when a man says publicly that he is gay or a woman that she is a lesbian.)
Nevertheless, many parents still want their children not to be homosexual. Perhaps because they would like to have grandchildren or because same-sex relationships are simply new to them. That is why most homosexual people are afraid to tell others that they love the same sex. Many are then afraid of being treated differently, insulted or even excluded by friends and family. But if you know that your personal environment accepts and likes you as you are, you never have to worry about it.
Same-sex love and religions
Christian communities in particular see such relationships between men and women as God's idea. They believe that God created the two different sexes so that they could love each other and have children together. If two people of the same sex love each other, they cannot start their own family by having children. That is why some Christians believe that love between two men or two women is not wanted and not right.
As with Christianity, there are many other religions where it is not okay to be gay or lesbian. Same-sex relationships are often labeled a sin and these people are excluded from the religious community. Although marriage between men and women is now officially permitted in Germany, most churches do not bless such marriages.
In countries where other religions such as Islam are widespread, homosexual love is often even illegal. Anyone who is openly seen on the street with a same-sex partner is doing something forbidden and can sometimes even face punishment. However, since one cannot control one's feelings, it is difficult for homosexual people to ignore their love. Some then try to live alone or in a heterosexual relationship (man with woman), but this often makes them unhappy.
Yes, and how do I “deal with it” now?
Nobody knows exactly what determines sexual orientation (i.e. the question of who he or she loves...) and whether it is genetic. Nevertheless, it can be assumed that nobody can choose who he or she likes and who he or she falls in love with. That is why it is no use going against your feelings and ignoring them.
If a man realizes that he is falling in love with another man and enjoys spending time with him, nothing should stand in his way. And even if two women are interested in each other, that is not a bad thing. If you know or see someone who is with a man at one point and later with a woman, then that is not wrong either. He has not done anything wrong in either relationship.
There are people who can fall in love with both men and women equally - this is called bisexuality. And this is also completely normal and OK. But it is not the case that these people then vacillate between homosexuality and heterosexuality. There is no decision as to when one loves whom more - the feelings are the same throughout life. A woman is bisexual if she loves women and men and a man is also bisexual if he loves women and men. The term remains the same.