homoseksuele

Homoseksuele is a term used to describe individuals who experience romantic, emotional, and/or sexual attraction to people of the same sex. This attraction can be directed towards men, women, or both, depending on the individual's orientation. Homosexuality is one of several recognized sexual orientations, alongside heterosexuality, bisexuality, and asexuality.

The understanding and acceptance of homosexuality have varied significantly across different cultures and historical periods. In many societies, homosexual individuals have faced discrimination and prejudice, leading to the development of LGBTQ+ rights movements advocating for equality and acceptance. Scientific and medical organizations worldwide generally regard homosexuality as a natural variation of human sexuality, not as a mental disorder or a choice.

Sexual orientation is understood to be a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors, though the exact mechanisms are still a subject of ongoing research. The term "gay" is commonly used to refer to homosexual men, while "lesbian" is used for homosexual women. However, "gay" can also be used as an umbrella term for homosexual individuals of any gender.