Skip to content

When I was born, the wisdom was that homosexuality was an…

“When I was born, the wisdom was that homosexuality was an illness; that it was caused largely by somebody's mother, and a distorted relationship with the mother. And now, as I live my life - married to a husband, with kids - it's an identity.” quote by Andrew Solomon
Download Open image
“When I was born, the wisdom was that homosexuality was an illness; that it was caused largely by somebody's mother, and a distorted relationship with the mother. And now, as I live my life - married to a husband, with kids - it's an identity.”

Andrew Solomon

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote traces the shift from viewing homosexuality as a pathological condition caused by familial factors to recognizing it as a legitimate personal identity, reflecting broader societal change.

In simple terms: From pathology to identity.

Key Takeaway

Attitudes evolve over time.

Themes

identity social change LGBTQ+ rights medicalization cultural perception

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

personal anecdote social commentary

When to use this quote

  • personal narrative
  • public discourse
  • educational settings
  • policy debates

Key Concepts

stigmatization family dynamics identity formation

Practical Applications

  • advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights
  • informing mental health practice

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do personal experiences reshape societal beliefs?
  • What role do medical narratives play in identity formation?
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Andrew Solomon

Explore all 282 Andrew Solomon quotes

More Homosexuality quotes

Browse all 3,495 Homosexuality quotes