Is someone "born that way"?

I would say that most people believe that someone who struggles with same-sex attraction or gender identity troubles is born that way and can't or shouldn't even try to change this.  This just simply is not true. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we believe strongly that through Jesus Christ, we can be better and overcome any trial.  If we believe this and also that acting on homosexual urges is wrong, wouldn't we believe that those feelings can be overcome? Would we believe that those struggling with this are doomed to never be truly happy?

There are many different reason one may being to struggle with homosexual feelings. The video below outlines those but here are just a few:

• The mother is controlling, domineering- making dad appear weak
• They've been abused
• Not enough nurturing or intimacy at home, not enough hugs for example
• Lacks a strong male connection, doesn't fit in with the boys at school

Others in the world are saying that gender is just a social construct, not an important biological, eternal aspect of our identities. I believe that gender is not something we can decide for ourselves.  Gender is something that we are born with and can't change. Experts are saying now that children should not be taught that they are a specific gender. To do so would be consider child abuse. (College of Pediatrics statement on Gender Ideology) I believe exactly the opposite. If I child is not taught that they are a boy or a girl this can only confuse them.  

The video below shows the research supporting the fact that no one is born gay.. We are all sons and daughters of a Heavenly Father. He loves us. He wants us to live up to our divine potential (which we all have) and that includes an eternal marriage. Anyone who chooses to can overcome these feelings and enjoy the blessings of the Gospel, the blessings our Father has in store for us.

The experience of same-sex attraction is a complex reality for many people. The attraction itself is not a sin, but acting on it is. Even though individuals do not choose to have such attractions, they do choose how to respond to them. With love and understanding, the Church reaches out to all God’s children, including our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters.-The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Click here for more about the LDS view on homosexuality: http://mormonsandgays.org/