Sexual Diversity: An Issue for Counselors and Churches.

Although four conventional criteria are used for sexuality -natal sex, sexual identity, gender role, and sexual orientation, issues of sexual diversity primarily center around the later. Diversity in sexual orientation is conventionally conceptualized as heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, and transgender. After given definitions of a number of types of transgendered persons, the paper addresses the incidence and issue of heterosexuality, bisexuality, and homosexuality. A comparative analysis is made of social learningtheories, neopsychoanalytic theory, and biological factors in their ability to explain sexual orientation. The paper presents an interactive developmental model in which biological and socio-cultural factors are conceptualized as havingan interactive effect upon the development of a person's sexual orientation over time. Finally, human agency is introduced as an important aspect of counselingindividuals about their sexual behavior. We conclude that, whereas bio-psycho-social deficiencies presents certain challenges and struggles for individuals as they seek sexual congruence and authenticity, everyone must come to grips with the deeper moral and spiritual meaning involved in sexual decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]