The fact that children and adolescents may be involved in sexual “experimentation” almost sounds like they’re getting together for some kind of scientific study.  Serious scholars of human sexuality and maturation may wish that were so.  Social constraint and scientific rigor can combine to complicate a full understanding of one of the most common characteristics of the human race.

            A new frankness about same-sex relationships has brought gay and lesbian issues into the public square. Issues like gay marriage and the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policies of the U.S. military can inflame opinion and tip elections.  In recent years there has also been increased sensitivity about child sexual abuse.  But what about sexual contact among youngsters, and the early expression of same-sex attraction within a peer group?

            Ritch C. Savin-Williams, Ph.D., is Professor of Clinical and Developmental Psychology and chair of the Department of Human Development at Cornell University, and author of seven books and numerous professional papers on adolescent sexual development.  He is a leading proponent of the view that homosexuality should not be equated with self-loathing, substance abuse, suicide or other pathologies.  His 2001 book Mom, Dad, I’m Gay described the experiences of 164 young people coming out to their parents and negotiating their acceptance.  His latest book, The New Gay Teenager, covers an even broader subject: the changes in activity and attitude that can mark an adolescent’s sexual orientation as he or she confronts both same-sex and heterosexual relationships.

            Adolescent sexuality has received a great deal of attention lately, including a cover story in the October 2, 2005 edition of Time Magazine.  That article quotes Dr. Savin-Williams’ contention that “sexuality develops gradually over the course of childhood” and that there may be lag in the individual’s recognition of same-sex attraction, sexual contact and a settled identification as gay, lesbian or bisexual.

            Dr. Savin-Williams asserts that gay teens he’s observed are mostly comfortable with their sexual orientation and notes a trend away from even labeling themselves at all “because they wish to separate sexual desire from the fiction of politics.”   At the same time, many persons, some religious groups and professional organizations like the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality believe that heterosexuality should be considered the norm and that changes in sexuality observed by Dr. Savin-Williams also indicate that individuals can redirect their desires.  The debate continues in an atmosphere of growing knowledge and changing values.

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On Tuesday, November 1^st, OFF THE PAGE opens the newly-released Encyclopedia of New York State with the editor-in-chief of this 2,000-page reference work, Dr. Peter Eisenstadt