Latest news with #Beier
DW
26-05-2025
- Health
- DW
How does sexual orientation develop? – DW – 05/26/2025
Sexuality is diverse. The gender you're attracted to is decided during puberty through an interplay of biological and psychosocial factors. Thirty-five years ago, millions of people around the world suddenly became "healthy." It was on that day — May 17, 1990 — that the World Health Organization (WHO) removed homosexuality from a list of human diseases. Until then, same-sex love was considered as a kind of mental illness. Those affected were often locked up in sanatoriums or prisons and "treated" with electric shock therapy and other questionable psychotherapies. But homosexual, bisexual and transsexual people are not — and never were — sick, said Klaus M. Beier, the director of the Institute for Sexology and Sexual Medicine at the Berlin Charité hospital. Human sexuality is characterized by its diversity, Beier said. "These days it's clear that no one chooses their sexual orientation. It's a matter of fate, not choice. Sexual orientation — or what experts call a 'sexual preference structure' — develops during puberty, influenced by a person's sex hormones. Their sexuality is determined in adolescence — what they find physically attractive and the kind of sexual interactions they desire." After this developmental phase in adolescence, the respective sexual preference remains stable, according to Beier. "It arises in adolescence and is then stable for life, despite the desire in some people for sexual orientation to change, for example, if there's social pressure to be like everyone else," said Beier. Non-heterosexuality made a problem in many places Universal human rights include the right to free sexual orientation. Sexuality is, and has always been, diverse. It is neither a fad, nor is it limited to particularly liberal societies. "According to the data we have, same-sex orientation accounts for about 3-5% of a population, and that applies across cultures. Human sexuality […] is characterized by this diversity — and cannot be had any other way," said Beier. It follows that it's wrong to judge or even condemn someone because of their sexual orientation. Nevertheless, the sexual orientation of individuals polarizes entire societies. In some cases, this leads to their exclusion, discrimination and persecution. Homosexuality, for example, is punishable in at least 67 countries, and in seven countries there is even a threat of death for same-sex sexual acts. Almost half of all countries worldwide where homosexuality is prohibited are in Africa. Only 22 of the 54 African states have legalized homosexuality. In some countries, homosexuality is punishable with a prison sentence. In four countries — Mauritania, Nigeria, Somalia and South Sudan — it's a death sentence under Sharia law. What is diversity? To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video How does sexual orientation develop? How sexual orientation develops is a simple question to which there is no simple or conclusive answer. There is no one cause for sexual orientation. But researchers have attempted to understand how sexual orientation develops through analyses of genes, hormones and sociocultural factors. "The current thinking is that there are a number of factors. So far, no one has been able to find any single factor that could be named as the cause of one person being same-sex oriented and another being opposite-sex oriented," said Beier. It can be assumed that a complex interplay of biological and social factors is responsible for the development of sexual orientation. The biological factors influencing the development of sexual orientation include a person's genetic makeup, as well as (prenatal) hormones and chemical substances. But sexual orientation is not hereditary. Family and so-called twin studies suggest homosexuality can be common in any one family. However, the genetic markers found in these studies were not deemed to be significant enough for researchers to conclude there was "homosexuality gene." How do hormones and social influences affect sexuality? Hormones, such as testosterone, and chemicals in the body, such as pheromones, may also be partly responsible for the development of sexual orientation. Pheromones are chemical secretions that influence sexual behavior. Studies show that male pheromones stimulate hypothalamus activity in both heterosexual women and homosexual men — but not in heterosexual men. The hypothalamus is a gland in the diencephalon that influences our instinctive behavior and sexual functions. Dolls and clothes for girls? Tools and cars for boys? Toys that are typically seen as being for females or males have no influence on sexual orientation. The same applies to education. It's true that some people do not live out their actual sexual orientation until later in life. That said, our sexual preference does not change as we age. "We have very strong indications that this is not possible," said Beier. "There are followup studies on sexual orientation. There were these regrettable 'conversion attempts' in same-sex oriented men. This was attempted in a larger study in the United States in the 1970s, without any success. It's strong evidence that sexual orientation is very stable." Conversion therapy ban To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video While sexual orientation develops during puberty, the development of gender identity begins in childhood and is completed in most people by the age of 5 to 6 years, said Beier. From this age on, children can "see themselves in their sexuality in the future and thus make assumptions about their future as a man or woman," he said. No sexual orientation is a disease Once sexual orientation has been established, it never changes. Not even through "seduction" or through early sexual contacts. "There is nothing to it," said Beier. "An important proof of this: There are many people who have had same-sex sexual contacts in their youth, but who are not same-sex oriented." The decisive factor for identity development is whether children receive support or rejection from their parents. If children and adolescents encounter strong rejection, they often develop weaker self-esteem by comparison. If parental rejection is associated with a child's sexual identity or orientation, it can lead to depression and suicidal thoughts. Especially in societies where sexual minorities are excluded and persecuted, an unprejudiced debate about sexual diversity is very important, said Beier. From a scientific point of view, no sexual orientation is a disease or "unnatural." What is tolerated, or what is considered "normal" or "unnatural," is determined by social norms. These norms can change greatly depending on time and context. But human nature does not change. This article was originally written in German.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
🔴 LIVE: Barcelona thrash Dortmund; PSG dominate Aston Villa
🔴 LIVE: Barcelona thrash Dortmund; PSG dominate Aston Villa Results: 2025-04-09T20:53:49Z FULL TIME! It's all over in both ties and home advantage has really counted with PSG and Barcelona taking commanding leads into their return legs next week. 2025-04-09T20:52:05Z Advertisement GOAL! That's game, set and match on the night for PSG as Nuno Mendes rounds off their first leg in added time with a tidy finish. 2025-04-09T20:47:41Z Dortmund think they've pulled a goal back through Beier but it's disallowed for offside 2025-04-09T20:35:53Z GOAL! It's now four for the Blaugrana as Yamal joins the score sheet by stabbing the ball home from a counterattack. Game over now, surely? 2025-04-09T20:24:46Z GOAL! It is now 3-0 to Barcelona as Lewandowski doubles his tally from a counterattack 2025-04-09T20:22:26Z CHANCE! It should be three for Barcelona but Fermín's sweeping effort crashes against the post Advertisement 2025-04-09T20:18:46Z Asensio is coming on to face parent club as the Villa loanee replaces Ramsey 2025-04-09T20:18:20Z CHANCE! Hakimi forces a good stop from Martínez after the ball breaks to him from a PSG counter on the edge of the box 2025-04-09T20:13:18Z Raphinha joining some of the recent greats tonight with his Barcelona goal involvements 2025-04-09T20:08:16Z GOAL! PSG take the lead against Villa through Kvaratskhelia, who dances through the Villa defence before cutting a low finish past Martínez 2025-04-09T20:06:39Z GOAL! Barcelona double their advantage through Lewandowski nodding home at the far post after Raphinha flicked on Yamal's cross to the far lefthand post Advertisement 2025-04-09T20:04:17Z There's also a change for the visitors in Paris with Disasi taking Cash's place 2025-04-09T20:03:52Z We're back underway in both ties and there's a change for Dortmund with Beier replacing Adiyemei at the start of the second half 2025-04-09T19:48:52Z HALF TIME! It's the interval in both ties and it's fair to say that they've lived up to their expectations! 2025-04-09T19:48:24Z CHANCE! It's really not going to plan for Dortmund as Guirassy turns Cubarsí on the righthand side of the box but fires an effort into the side netting. 2025-04-09T19:46:34Z CHANCE! Advertisement Doué clearly fancies a repeat of his wonder strike as he goes for goal again from distance but sends it narrowly off target 2025-04-09T19:44:18Z CHANCE! Dortmund trying to stir a response in Barcelona as Chukwuemeka sees a shot blocked before Szczęsny thwarts Gittens in the follow-up 2025-04-09T19:41:44Z GOAL! PSG are level and what a goal it is from Doué, who pings an effort from outside the box. Martínez had no chance with that one! 2025-04-09T19:39:38Z What a season Rogers is having for the Villans! 2025-04-09T19:35:58Z GOAL! Aston Villa lead in the French capital! Rogers turns a low cross from Youri Tielemans in at the far post Advertisement 2025-04-09T19:30:22Z CHANCE! Villa have their first opening of the game as McGinn lets fly from 40 yards out but it's off target 2025-04-09T19:28:55Z The goal has actually gone down as Raphinha's as he got the final touch. That potentially could have worked against the forward with a VAR check but Hansi Flick's side just about got away with it 2025-04-09T19:27:24Z GOAL! Barcelona are ahead courtesy of Pau Cubarsí's slid finish after Iñigo Martínez headed a Fermín López set piece back across the face of goal 2025-04-09T19:25:39Z An injury concern for Villa now as Ramsey is on the turf struggling with a knock. Watkins currently being ordered to warm up ahead of his potential introduction. Advertisement 2025-04-09T19:24:35Z CHANCE! Vitinha the latest PSG player to try and test Martínez with an effort that curls over the bar 2025-04-09T19:10:08Z CHANCE! Back to Paris, where Dembélé forces a really good stop from Martínez. Both these ties starting with real intensity! 2025-04-09T19:09:19Z CHANCE! The Blaugrana are stepping things up as Lewandowski now forces a stop from Kobel inside the box. Feels like it might be a lively one 'up the hill' in Catalonia tonight 2025-04-09T19:08:40Z It's also worth noting that Barcelona's teenage sensation is making history tonight 2025-04-09T19:08:17Z CHANCE! Advertisement Yamal again threatening Dortmund's goal with another skillful move but he goes for glory rather than teeing up Lewandowski and comes up against Kobel at the near post 2025-04-09T19:06:39Z CHANCE! There's an opening for Barcelona too in the early stages with Yamal taking aim but Kobel is on hand to deny him 2025-04-09T19:05:20Z CHANCE! Doué tees up Dembélé for an early shot but his effort goes high over the bar 2025-04-09T19:03:34Z PSG welcomed Aston Villa to the French capital before kick-off with their own twist on the Peaky Blinders 2025-04-09T19:00:50Z KICK OFF! We're underway at both the Parc des Princes and Montjuïc Advertisement 2025-04-09T18:55:00Z Hello and welcome to our coverage of Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg ties. We've got two really enticing ties to look forward to this evening.
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dortmund beat Mainz to keep European hopes alive
Maximilian Beier scored twice as Borussia Dortmund won 3-1 at home to Mainz in the Bundesliga on Sunday, keeping their slim hopes of European qualification alive. Champions League finalists last season, Dortmund had lost four of their past six games to sink to 12th before the match. Advertisement Dortmund were without injured striker Serhou Guirassy but Beier filled the void as he gave the hosts the lead after 32 minutes, finishing off a goal he created. The 22-year-old Germany forward gathered the ball in midfield, shed a defender and found Julian Brandt. Brandt whipped in a cross and Beier threaded the ball to Karim Adeyemi, who returned the favour, giving him a simple tap-in. Emre Can doubled Dortmund's lead just four minutes later, rising high to head in a Nico Schlotterbeck corner. Schlotterbeck supplied Dortmund's third as well in the 72nd minute, floating in a superb ball which allowed Beier to head home, before Mainz pulled one back through Paul Nebel. Advertisement The win was Dortmund's first victory over Mainz in four attempts, including the infamous 2-2 draw against the same opponents on the final day of the 2022-23 season which cost them the title. Dortmund now sit 10th, four points behind the European places and seven points back from Mainz, who are in fourth. Despite the loss, Mainz are two points clear of fifth-placed Borussia Moenchengladbach and are in with an excellent chance of a first-ever Champions League appearance. Union Berlin won 2-1 at Freiburg, denting their opponents' Champions League hopes while taking a major step towards maintaining their own status as a top-flight team next season. Advertisement Freiburg took the lead with 29 minutes played when Lucas Hoeler hammered in a Vincenzo Grifo cross. The visitors hit back just one minute later, captain Rani Khedira firing in following an Andrej Ilic assist. Ilic then got on the scoresheet three minutes into the second half, heading a Tim Skarke cross into the top corner. The loss, just Freiburg's third home defeat of the season, leaves them in seventh, three points off the top four. Freiburg have never played in the Champions League. The win took Union, who needed a final-day victory last season at home against Freiburg to beat the drop, to 30 points, eight clear of the relegation playoff spot. Advertisement Union's recent form looks to have lifted the club out of the relegation mire. In the past three weeks, Union have beaten top-four hopefuls Eintracht Frankfurt and Freiburg, while holding league leaders Bayern Munich to a draw at home. dwi/mw
Reuters
30-03-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Beier double helps Dortmund beat Mainz 3-1 for first win in three
DORTMUND, Germany, March 30 (Reuters) - Borussia Dortmund eased to a 3-1 win over visitors Mainz 05 on Sunday with two goals from Maximilian Beier to earn their first win in three league matches as they battle to get back into Champions League contention with seven matches left to play. Beier tapped in from a Karim Adeyemi cutback in the 39th minute before Emre Can headed in at the far post from a corner three minutes later. The hosts, who face Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie on April 9, added a third with a 72nd-minute header by Beier to make sure of the win that lifted them to 10th place on 38 points. Mainz, who dropped to fourth place on 45, cut the deficit with a goal from Paul Nebel four minutes later. The top four teams win automatic Champions League qualification.
Reuters
22-02-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Dortmund's Guirassy scores four in 6-0 rout over Union Berlin
DORTMUND, Germany Feb 22 (Reuters) - Serhou Guirassy scored four goals to lead Borussia Dortmund to a 6-0 demolition of Union Berlin in the Bundesliga on Saturday and earn their first league win under new coach Niko Kovac. The Guinea international scored three of his goals in an eight-minute span late in the second half to take his league tally to 13 goals, along with another 10 in the Champions League where Dortmund will face Lille in the Round of 16 next month. The hosts, who had lost their two previous league games under Kovac, opened their account when former Union player Julian Ryerson saw his shot deflected in for an own goal by Diogo Leite in the 25th minute. Dortmund hit the crossbar with a Maximilian Beier header four minutes later but did everything right in the 40th when Guirassy headed in a Pascal Gross cross. The Guinea international then added his second in the 75th minute from close range before pushing the ball over the line after good work from Beier five minutes later to complete his hat-trick. With the Union defence collapsing completely, he bagged a fourth goal when he headed in another Gross cross in the 83rd before Beier sealed their win in the 90th. Dortmund, who earned only their second win in their last eight matches moved into 10th place on 32 points.
