When two people cross paths, get to know each other, and then even fall in love, it's one of the most beautiful things in the world. A woman and a man walking down the street holding hands is a common sight—but are there other types of relationships? Can two women or two men love each other, live together, and perhaps even start a family? Does same-sex love exist? It's a simple question with a simple answer: yes, it's possible! Love has an incredible number of facets.
How can I teach children about same-sex love in an age-appropriate way?
When two people of the same sex love each other (i.e., a woman with another woman or a man with another man), this is called a homosexual relationship. "Homo" comes from Latin and means "same."
That's why we call it a "same-sex" relationship. When it comes to two men, we also say "gay." Two women in a relationship are "lesbian." In English, we simply say "gay."
Now that we have clarified all the important basics about 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. Although the idea of a same-sex couple is no longer so abstract and unique these days, there are still some people who do not approve of such relationships.
Coloring pages depicting same-sex love
That's why women who love women or men who love men often have problems because they are insulted and marginalized by others. It is therefore important to show that love is always something good and completely normal—regardless of gender. However, since most people already understand this, no one needs to be afraid to come out anymore. (This is what it's called when a man publicly says that he is gay or a woman says that she is a lesbian.)
Nevertheless, many parents still wish their children were not homosexual. Perhaps because they want grandchildren, or because same-sex relationships are simply new to them. That's why most homosexual people don't dare to tell others that they love the same sex for a long time. Many are afraid of being treated differently, insulted, or even excluded by friends and family. But if you know that your personal circle accepts and likes you for who you are, you never have to worry about that.
Same-sex love and religions
Christian communities in particular view such relationships between men and women as God's intention. They believe that God created two different sexes so that they could love each other and have children together. When 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 undesirable and wrong.
As with Christianity, there are many other religions that do not accept lesbianism or homosexuality. Same-sex relationships are often considered a sin, and these people are excluded from the religious community. Although marriage between two men or two 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 openly shows themselves with their same-sex partner on the street is doing something forbidden and may even face punishment. However, since you cannot influence your 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?
No one knows exactly what determines sexual orientation (i.e., the question of who he or she loves...) and whether it is genetically determined. Nevertheless, it can be assumed that no one can choose who they like and who they fall in love with. That's why it's pointless to fight your feelings and ignore 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, there's nothing wrong with that. If you know or see someone who is with a man one day and a woman the next, that's not wrong either. He hasn't done anything wrong in either relationship.
There are also people who can fall in love with both women and men equally—this is called bisexuality. And that is also completely normal and okay. However, it is not the case that these people then fluctuate between homosexuality and heterosexuality. There is no decision to be made about who you love more—the feelings remain the same throughout your 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.