Same-sex attraction

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Same-sex attraction (SSA) is an intense interest in members of the same sex. This interest may include desires for their attention, friendship, intimacy, and/or a fascination with their bodies and other gender traits. It may also include erotic thoughts and sexual behavior with others of the same sex.

The terms "same-sex attraction" and "same-gender attraction" (SGA) are sometimes used by proponents of "reparative" or "conversion" therapy to distinguish the phenomenon of attraction to the same sex from psychiatric or clinical definitions of homosexual behavior, physical or emotional relations between members of the same sex [1], the concept of homosexuality as an "orientation"[2] and the cultural or ideological associations of "gay" identity.[3][4]

In 1999, Dr. Rick Fitzgibbons of the Catholic Medical Association proposed the definition of a "same-sex attraction disorder" (SSAD). [5] Richard Cohen popularized the term in his 2001 book, "Coming Out Straight". [6]

Critics of the the more commonplace term "homosexual" argue that it may offend those who want to change or overcome their attraction to members of the same sex as well as those who embrace a gay identity.^{[citation needed]}