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sociopsychological, and interactionist pp. 373-374. Biological theories assume that a person‟s homosexual traits are the result of some characteristics of the
physical organism, such as a person‟s ratio of male hormone androgen to female hormone estrogens. In other words, the balance or imbalance of hormones has
been caused by gene patterns inherited from parents. Sociopsychological
theories refer to the quality of an individual‟s relationship with other people during childhood and adolescence that determines
whether the person becomes homosexual or heterosexual or even asexual not interested at all in physical lovemaking. The last is interactionist theories which
draw upon both biological and sociopsychological factors in the belief that some combination of body chemistry and environmental factors accounts for the
development of homosexual behaviour.
c. Types of Homosexual
Homosexuals can be divided into some types. According to the book entitled Abnormal Behaviour: Outline Reference written by Smith 1983, there
are six types of homosexuals p. 139, those are:
1 Blatant Homosexuals
It includes individuals who fit with the popular stereotype of the homosexual; the lisping, limp-wristed, swishing caricature of femininity in the
case of the male. Also included in this type are the “leather boys” who advertise their sadomasochistic homosexuality by wearing leather jackets, chains, and often
boots. Some TV‟s or transvestites enjoy wearing the clothes and often assuming the behaviour of the opposite sex, are included in this type as well.
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2 Desperate Homosexuals
These are males who tend to haunt public toile ts “tearooms” or steam
baths. They are apparently driven to homosexual behaviour but unable to face the strains of establishing and sustaining serious personal relationships in which to
practice homosexuality. Humphreys 1970 discovers that “apparently the
„tearoom‟ is used by many such individuals in an effort, through the anonymity of these contacts, to conceal their homosexuality from their wives- and perhaps even
from themselves” as cited in Coleman, 1976, p. 591.
3 Secret Homosexuals
They tend to come from the middle and to hold positions that they try protect by concealing their homosexuality; often married, wear wedding rings,
and have spouses and employers who never know about their double lives; only a few close friends, lovers, therapists know about their homosexuality. In addition,
Coleman 1976 adds that secret homosexuals extremely skilled at camouflage and at “passing” as straight. They generally prefer subdued clothes and maintain a
suitably conservative masculine appearance p. 591.
4 Situational Homosexuals
There are a variety situations in which individuals engage in homosexual behaviour without any deep homosexual commitment. For example, both males
and females in prisons and institutions usually engage in homosexual acts, but after release resume heterosexual relationships. It seems that some prisoners act as
homosexual prostitutes.
5 Bisexuals
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Individuals who are engaged in both homosexual and heterosexual practices during a sustained period are considered “bisexual”, Many “desperate”
homosexuals would fit into this category, particularly those who are married. Coleman 1976 adds that the occurrence of bisexuality is not surprising; since
homosexuality is not necessary an all-or-nothing pattern and many people have learned to respond sexually in varying degrees to both females and males p. 591.
6 Adjusted Homosexuals
The last type is adjusted homosexuals. Smith 1983 states that the majority of these homosexuals accept their homosexuals fulfil responsible social
roles and closely associate with the gay community. Many adjusted homosexuals establish an intimate and stable relationship with other person. While this is more
common among lesbians than among male homosexuals, the pattern is by no means exclusive to lesbians p. 139.
5. Theories of Character Development
