A video shared on TikTok by Aydin Aliyev, who presents himself as a psychologist, has drawn attention online. In the video, he addresses parents and suggests ways to prevent boys from developing attraction to other boys, linking homosexuality to early childhood experiences and parenting styles.
Aliyev claims that a child’s relationship with their parents—particularly between the ages of 2 and 6—can influence their future sexual orientation. He argues that a father’s distant, harsh, or aggressive behavior, as well as domestic conflict and emotional disconnect within the family, may affect a boy’s sense of identity and lead to same-sex attraction later in life.
He also suggests that sexual orientation is “decided at the age of 3” and dismisses the role of biological or genetic factors. At the same time, Aliyev notes that in some European countries, so-called “conversion therapy”—practices aimed at changing or “normalizing” sexual orientation—has been banned, but says he is still choosing to share his views on the subject.
Psychologist Ilaha Suleyman, responding to these claims, says such views are not supported by science. She explains that linking a person’s sexual orientation directly to parenting contradicts what modern psychology and medicine have established.
According to Ilaha, research shows that sexual orientation is complex and cannot be explained by a single cause. Biological factors, genetics, prenatal development, and neurobiological differences may all play a role. However, none of these can be reduced to parenting alone.
“These claims are not backed by scientific evidence. A father’s behavior or parenting style does not directly determine a child’s sexual orientation. These ideas are rooted in outdated stereotypes,” she says.
Suleyman also points out that leading international bodies, including the World Health Organization and the American Psychological Association, do not consider homosexuality to be a disease, a disorder, or something that needs treatment.
Experts warn that such narratives can reinforce misinformation and place unnecessary pressure on parents. They stress the importance of approaching social media content with critical thinking and relying on evidence-based information.
