Homosexuality is making some big waves in Hollywood, where a number of celebrities have either recently "come out" or offered support to efforts to normalise a behaviour that many still agree is unnatural.

Most recently, former "American Idol" runner-up Clay Aiken publicly announced that he is gay, appearing on the cover of the latest People magazine holding his infant son, Parker Foster Aiken.

"It was the first decision I made as a father," Aiken told the magazine, which arrives on newsstands Friday. "I cannot raise a child to lie or to hide things. I wasn't raised that way, and I'm not going to raise a child to do that."

Aiken's confession comes less than two weeks after another self-professed born-again Christian, CCM veteran Ray Boltz, made public his struggle with and eventual acceptance of his homosexual desires.

The Christian blogosphere was set abuzz after the pro-gay Washington Blade published an exclusive feature earlier this month on Boltz, who only four years ago revealed to his family "the darkness and struggle" he was going through.

In the recent interview, the Gospel singer said he denied his sexuality ever since he was a kid, and after praying hard and trying for 30-some years, he found himself saying 'I'm still gay. I know I am'.

But while many out-of-the-closet Christians insist they are merely accepting themselves the way God created them and that homosexuality is not a sin, there are others who argue otherwise.

"Contrary to what is frequently and erroneously stated in the media, there is no scientific or psychological proof that homosexuality is anything other than a behaviour pattern that manifests itself in certain individuals for a variety of reasons, including psychological, social, environmental, behavioural, and genetic predispositions working together to produce the homosexual person," says Dr David E James, whose new book, God's Truth about Gender, addresses the question, 'Does God really create some people as homosexuals?'

"Contrary to gay propaganda, sexuality is not an identity. It is a behavioural term," he states in a news release for his book.

"Feelings do not give us our identities," he continues. "There is an error in thinking that how one feels determines what is justifiable behaviour."

Drawing on both documented scientific research and spiritual truths, James' new book examines the ways in which dysfunction and "cultural lies" can alter a person's perception of what is normal, how men and women are wired, and what their roles are. The author presents his case to readers in hopes of helping them develop an understanding of the causes behind homosexual behaviour and the inner working of the homosexual or transgendered mind.

The author also delves into many other hot-button issues, including gender roles, homosexual and transgender behaviours, the influence parents play in the development of their child's gender identity, and marital issues like sex and submission.

"God's Truth about Gender will speak to readers from many different backgrounds and on many different levels," say the book's publishers. "The book is perfect for couples who long to feel the vitality that comes with true intimacy, parents who want to do everything possible to ensure that their children develop a healthy gender identity, or individuals suffering from a gender identity crisis."

James' book has been out since July and was published by VMI Publishers with the subtitle "Unraveling the Lies of Modern Human Sexuality, Behaviour, and Identity".

Since his book's release, Hollywood especially has given a number of boosts to pro-gay activists. Celebrities like Brad Pitt and Steven Spielberg have donated tens of thousands to the fight against California's November ballot initiative that would overturn the state Supreme Court decision legalising same-sex "marriage". Lindsay Lohan was the latest Hollywood celeb to "come out" after admitting her long-term relationship with girlfriend Samantha Ronson this week.

Meanwhile, a study released Monday by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) revealed how broadcast television will have 16 gay and bisexual regular characters in prime-time series this fall, more than double the seven from a year ago.


On the web:
The website of Dr. David E. James IV on www.genderrealities.com