The Seeking Integrity Blog recently put forward the idea that gay and bisexual people were more likely to be grappling with sex addiction that the general population, largely due to internalised homophobia and lack of support and acceptance from family.
The cycle of addiction, characterised by a repeated pattern of shame and escape through further addictive sexual behaviours, is particularly pronounced among many gay and bisexual sex addicts. As the blog illustrates, the intertwined nature of shame and self-hatred can perpetuate a damaging cycle: shame leads to addictive behaviours, which in turn deepen feelings of shame and self-loathing. This vicious cycle underscores the urgent need for comprehensive treatment approaches tailored to the unique challenges these individuals face.
Treatment strategies for gay and bisexual sex addicts must acknowledge the existence of ego-dystonic feelings, where individuals internally reject their sexual orientation, wishing they were not attracted to the same sex. As outlined in the blog, treatment should initially focus on containing addictive sexual behaviours, before addressing the underlying negative feelings associated with sexual orientation. Clinicians are advised to recognise these secondary issues, facilitating early shame reduction while delaying in-depth exploration until there has been some stabilisation and establishment of sexual sobriety.
A crucial takeaway from the blog is the firm stance against the idea of altering a person’s sexual orientation. The authors state unequivocally that sexual orientation is an immutable aspect of identity. Misguided efforts to change it are deemed not only futile but potentially harmful. The blog argues that while individuals can decide not to act on their same-sex attractions, these feelings themselves remain unchanged. To illustrate this, it posits a provocative question: would it be believed that conversion therapy could transform a heterosexual man into a homosexual? The authors pose that if one would answer “no” to that, the reverse must also be acknowledged.
The therapeutic approach advocated involves creating a secure and empathetic environment where individuals can explore their thoughts and feelings regarding their sexual orientation without the pressure of attempted changes. Clinicians are encouraged to support individuals in understanding and embracing their sexual orientation while making informed decisions regarding their behaviours.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.naadac.org/assets/2416/jeff_zacharias_-_naadac_-_seattle.pdf – This document discusses the higher rates of addiction among gay individuals, emphasizing how social prejudice and internalized homophobia contribute to feelings of shame and impact mental health.
- https://www.edgewoodhealthnetwork.com/resources/blog/blog-sex-addiction-in-the-gay-community-recovery-is-all-about-connection/ – This article supports the claim that sexual compulsivity is more prevalent among gay and bisexual individuals, highlighting the role of connection and the damaging cycle of addiction reinforced by negative self-perception.
- https://psychcentral.com/blog/sex-addiction/2013/03/when-straight-men-are-addicted-to-gay-sex – This article explores how shame linked to sexual behaviors can complicate sexual identity, confirming the notion that feelings of internalized shame can lead to addiction patterns, as discussed in the Seeking Integrity Blog.
- https://immigrantjustice.org/sites/default/files/content-type/resource/documents/2018-10/NIJC%20Asylum%20Manual_final%2007%202018.pdf – The resource highlights the necessity of support in the LGBT community, similar to the blog’s assertion that treatment should address the unique experiences of shame and acceptance in therapy for gay and bisexual individuals.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
There isn’t any specific temporal reference or outdated information in the narrative. However, without a date or specific references, it’s challenging to definitively assess its freshness. The subject matter is not time-sensitive, suggesting that the information remains relevant.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
No direct quotes are present that could be traced back to specific individuals or earlier publications. This lack suggests the quotes could be original, given the absence of specific sources.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from a lesser-known blog (Seeking Integrity Blog), which lacks the same level of credibility as major news outlets like BBC or Reuters. However, it does not appear to be a press release.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The discussion about the intersection of sexual orientation and addiction, as well as the critique of conversion therapy, is plausible and aligns with current understanding in the field. However, without specific expert or peer-reviewed references, it’s difficult to fully verify the accuracy of all claims.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative presents plausible and ongoing discussions relevant to sexual orientation and addiction but lacks specific temporal references and originates from a lesser-known source. While it does not appear to contain overt misinformation, further verification through credible sources would enhance its reliability.
