Interpreting the Evidence: Competing Paradigms and the Emergence of Lesbian and gay Suicide as a “Social Fact”

Contending theories of homosexual suicide & psychological distress are examined. Historical, social, & political forces which have been instrumental in shaping the scientific & medical response to gay & lesbian psychological distress are discussed. Emphasis is on the need to question the objective validity of scientific theories in order to develop more effective responses to homosexual mental health problems. Other views of sexuality are considered & new directions for research are proposed.