Is there a g@y gene?

I've always wondered if homosexuality is genetic or a choice. I've heard many on this forum say that it's genetic, and it's something that you can't control. Well, I have found an article that tries to disprove this:

(NARTH) Is There a Gay Gene?

I find the information in the above article interesting. But, I have found another article that says otherwise:

(WebMD) Is There a Gay Gene?

So, which one should I believe? Is there a gay gene, or not? Is homosexuality a choice, or is it really something you're born with?

we're still trying to figure out whether its genetic or psychological

either way it doesn't affect me

but if it is genetic - theres a good case for the pedos

It's not quite that simple. There are probably many biological causes for homosexuality. There may also be environmental factors that occur in the womb.

Well I certainly didn't choose to be gay :?Sim_genius

Same here. That's why I am NOT gay.

I've always wondered if homosexuality is genetic or a choice. I've heard many on this forum say that it's genetic, and it's something that you can't control. Well, I have found an article that tries to disprove this:

(NARTH) Is There a Gay Gene?

I find the information in the above article interesting. But, I have found another article that says otherwise:

(WebMD) Is There a Gay Gene?

So, which one should I believe? Is there a gay gene, or not? Is homosexuality a choice, or is it really something you're born with?

dog64

It's not quite that simple. There are probably many biological causes for homosexuality. There may also be environmental factors that occur in the womb.

BlueBirdTS

What environmental factors?

[QUOTE="BlueBirdTS"]

It's not quite that simple. There are probably many biological causes for homosexuality. There may also be environmental factors that occur in the womb.

dog64

What environmental factors?

I've got to pull out that handout my anatomy teacher gave me. Hold on...

I don't think there's a "gene". It's not a choice either.Is there a gene that makes people think the way they do or like what they like? No. Who wakes up and goes, "Hm... I could use some penis/vagina today..."? No one.

It's just the way you are.

[QUOTE="dog64"]

I've always wondered if homosexuality is genetic or a choice. I've heard many on this forum say that it's genetic, and it's something that you can't control. Well, I have found an article that tries to disprove this:

(NARTH) Is There a Gay Gene?

I find the information in the above article interesting. But, I have found another article that says otherwise:

(WebMD) Is There a Gay Gene?

So, which one should I believe? Is there a gay gene, or not? Is homosexuality a choice, or is it really something you're born with?

xaos

True it does seem bias, but they're supposedly quoting scientists.

imo its not a gene its psychological.

[QUOTE="dog64"]

[QUOTE="BlueBirdTS"]

It's not quite that simple. There are probably many biological causes for homosexuality. There may also be environmental factors that occur in the womb.

BlueBirdTS

What environmental factors?

I've got to pull out that handout my anatomy teacher gave me. Hold on...

It looks like she just got it from this website. It has some interesting info: http://www.uni.edu/walsh/SEXDEV.html

I don't think there's a "gene". It's not a choice either.Is there a gene that makes people think the way they do or like what they like? No. Who wakes up and goes, "Hm... I could use some penis/vagina today..."? No one.

It's just the way you are.

Raikoh_

lol, wut? You just contradicted yourself.

I don't think there's a "gene". It's not a choice either.Is there a gene that makes people think the way they do or like what they like? No. Who wakes up and goes, "Hm... I could use some penis/vagina today..."? No one.

It's just the way you are.

Raikoh_

yea no one..... :roll:

Is there a specific gene? No, but that doesn't mean homosexuals are just straight people who wake up one day and think to themselves, "Hey, I thinik today I'm gonna be gay To be honest, I never understood why people use the genetic argument. Maybe it solves the problem of it being an outright choice, but it opens up a Pandora's box as far as where research and gene splicing could lead to. I could definitely see a large movement of crazies trying to, "cure," homosexuality in the near future.

Anyways, I always tend to lean towards the environment side of things. It's amazing how much the things in our life shape who we are, no matter how much we try to assert our own control over our situations. There are so many factors that go into how one's psyche is formed and what types of things could affect one's sexual orientation that trying to control all of them would not only be pretty callous, but also largely futile.

[QUOTE="Raikoh_"]

I don't think there's a "gene". It's not a choice either.Is there a gene that makes people think the way they do or like what they like? No. Who wakes up and goes, "Hm... I could use some penis/vagina today..."? No one.

It's just the way you are.

joesh89

yea no one..... :roll:

Is there a specific gene? No, but that doesn't mean homosexuals are just straight people who wake up one day and think to themselves, "Hey, I thinik today I'm gonna be gay To be honest, I never understood why people use the genetic argument. Maybe it solves the problem of it being an outright choice, but it opens up a Pandora's box as far as where research and gene splicing could lead to. I could definitely see a large movement of crazies trying to, "cure," homosexuality in the near future.

theone86

No, its a decision people make.

No, its a decision people make.

Wolf-Man2006

Prove it. :P

No, its a decision people make.

Wolf-Man2006

Maybe. I don't know. I do worry sometimes the path this goes down. If someone is gay fine. I don't care.

However, blaming, or using genetics as an excuse or such things. Historically that does not lead good places.

[QUOTE="Wolf-Man2006"]

No, its a decision people make.

BlueBirdTS

Prove it. :P

There are some things you can't prove and a gay gene is one of them.

NARTH is... not exactly an organization that I'd go to for an unbiased view of the question of whether or not homosexuality is genetic. :P They were formed in response to the 1973 decision by the American Psychiatric Association to remove homosexuality from its list of mental disorders. They are associated with many fundamentalist Christians, despite their claims to be a secular organization.

The question of whether or not there is a gay gene is not really the appropriate question to ask, and doing so is, in a way, falling into the trap of those who want people to believe that homosexuals are depraved or sick or whatever. The questions to ask, instead, are "Can sexual orientation be changed?" and "If it is, should we attempt to change sexual orientation?"

The answer to the first question seems very likely to be "no". The twin studies that they cite as evidence against this gay gene have really shown that there actually is a strong correlation between genetic similarity and chances of being homosexual. They do not show that there is a perfect correlation - indicating that it is not purely genetic - but nonetheless if it is even at all genetic, that makes it likelier that it is something inborn rather than simply a choice. But the evidence doesn't stop there - research has shown that the very structure of the brain of a homosexual person resembles that of the opposite sex. This really ought to be a stake through the heart of the idea that sexual orientation is a choice - but I know very well it won't be for those who begin with conclusions and then look for evidence.

So, it seems pretty darn likely that sexual orientation is not simply a choice, and thus, is not something that can be changed (short of a lobotomy). But even if it were, the answer to the second question seems also likely to be "no". Despite the doomsday scenarios some dream up around an acceptance of homosexuality, there is no real evidence that homosexuals are particularly different than heterosexuals, except of course for their sexual orientation. There is no evidence that they are less happy (when not being harassed by homophobic people, that is); there is no evidence that they are more prone to crime or deliquency... by all accounts, they're just regular people, like you or me.

[QUOTE="Wolf-Man2006"]

No, its a decision people make.

BlueBirdTS

Prove it. :P

People make the decision to act on how they feel, but they do not make a decision of who they are attracted to.

No, its a decision people make.

Wolf-Man2006

Is there a specific gene? No, but that doesn't mean homosexuals are just straight people who wake up one day and think to themselves, "Hey, I thinik today I'm gonna be gay To be honest, I never understood why people use the genetic argument. Maybe it solves the problem of it being an outright choice, but it opens up a Pandora's box as far as where research and gene splicing could lead to. I could definitely see a large movement of crazies trying to, "cure," homosexuality in the near future.

Anyways, I always tend to lean towards the environment side of things. It's amazing how much the things in our life shape who we are, no matter how much we try to assert our own control over our situations. There are so many factors that go into how one's psyche is formed and what types of things could affect one's sexual orientation that trying to control all of them would not only be pretty callous, but also largely futile.

theone86

I agree that people don't just wake up and decide that they want to be gay straight, bi, ect. I've always thought that it's something based on the persons opinion of attraction. For example, two boys may not have the same feelings of attraction for the same girl (She's hot, ect.). So I always thought that same reasoning can be used for people of the same sex.

[QUOTE="Wolf-Man2006"]

No, its a decision people make.

-Sun_Tzu-

years ago.

It's the explanation i'm most willing to accept, seeing that the only verifiable statistic for homosexuality involves your number of brothers

But it raises other questions as well. If there is a gene that affects sexual preferences, wouldn't there be one for asexuality as well? And for autosexuality, and bisexuality? Or, if it IS genetic, how correct would it be to willingly change the gene?

I don't think there's a "gene". It's not a choice either.Is there a gene that makes people think the way they do or like what they like? No. Who wakes up and goes, "Hm... I could use some penis/vagina today..."? No one.Raikoh_

Well... it is the genes that codify your desire for sexual intercourse. But at the most basic level.

[QUOTE="Wolf-Man2006"]

No, its a decision people make.

xaos

[QUOTE="xaos"][QUOTE="Wolf-Man2006"]

No, its a decision people make.

-Sun_Tzu-

No, its more like Brokeback Mountain

[QUOTE="xaos"][QUOTE="Wolf-Man2006"]

No, its a decision people make.

-Sun_Tzu-

[QUOTE="-Sun_Tzu-"][QUOTE="Wolf-Man2006"]

No, its a decision people make.

Wolf-Man2006

years ago.

[QUOTE="Wolf-Man2006"]

[QUOTE="-Sun_Tzu-"] When did you choose to be heterosexual?-Sun_Tzu-

years ago.

Yeah, I have to try both being gay and straight to decide what I'm going to do...

[QUOTE="Wolf-Man2006"]

[QUOTE="-Sun_Tzu-"] When did you choose to be heterosexual?-Sun_Tzu-

years ago.

:lol: Nice one.

I personally never "decided" to be heterosexual. I just have always found that I've been attracted to females. Why can't it be the same for homosexuals?

[QUOTE="-Sun_Tzu-"][QUOTE="xaos"] Ah, yes, I remember getting up one morning and thinking, "Being gay sounds fabulous!" Oh, wait. No, I never did that.Wolf-Man2006

No, its more like Brokeback Mountain

what about people who question there sexuality ? plenty do, and usually they make a decision, a conscious choice based on how they feel, which imo is psychological.

NARTH is... not exactly an organization that I'd go to for an unbiased view of the question of whether or not homosexuality is genetic. :P They were formed in response to the 1973 decision by the American Psychiatric Association to remove homosexuality from its list of mental disorders. They are associated with many fundamentalist Christians, despite their claims to be a secular organization.

The question of whether or not there is a gay gene is not really the appropriate question to ask, and doing so is, in a way, falling into the trap of those who want people to believe that homosexuals are depraved or sick or whatever. The questions to ask, instead, are "Can sexual orientation be changed?" and "If it is, should we attempt to change sexual orientation?"

The answer to the first question seems very likely to be "no". The twin studies that they cite as evidence against this gay gene have really shown that there actually is a strong correlation between genetic similarity and chances of being homosexual. They do not show that there is a perfect correlation - indicating that it is not purely genetic - but nonetheless if it is even at all genetic, that makes it likelier that it is something inborn rather than simply a choice. But the evidence doesn't stop there - research has shown that the very structure of the brain of a homosexual person resembles that of the opposite sex. This really ought to be a stake through the heart of the idea that sexual orientation is a choice - but I know very well it won't be for those who begin with conclusions and then look for evidence.

So, it seems pretty darn likely that sexual orientation is not simply a choice, and thus, is not something that can be changed (short of a lobotomy). But even if it were, the answer to the second question seems also likely to be "no". Despite the doomsday scenarios some dream up around an acceptance of homosexuality, there is no real evidence that homosexuals are particularly different than heterosexuals, except of course for their sexual orientation. There is no evidence that they are less happy (when not being harassed by homophobic people, that is); there is no evidence that they are more prone to crime or deliquency... by all accounts, they're just regular people, like you or me.

GabuEx

Well, I don't believe homosexuals are depraved or sick. I'm just wondering if there's a "cause", or reason, since many believe that's not a choice that the individual made. If it's not a choice, then it's something that the person cannot control.

[QUOTE="-Sun_Tzu-"][QUOTE="Wolf-Man2006"]

years ago.

Wolf-Man2006

Yeah, I have to try both being gay and straight to decide what I'm going to do...

[QUOTE="Wolf-Man2006"]

[QUOTE="-Sun_Tzu-"] But I thought the whole point of being gay was teh fabulous?joesh89

No, its more like Brokeback Mountain

what about people who question there sexuality ? plenty do, and usually they make a decision, a conscious choice based on how they feel, which imo is psychological.

Give me an example.

[QUOTE="-Sun_Tzu-"][QUOTE="Wolf-Man2006"]

years ago.

BlueBirdTS

:lol: Nice one.

Man, ya'll have something against me. I hope I didn't run over your dog or something :P

[QUOTE="joesh89"]

[QUOTE="Wolf-Man2006"]

No, its more like Brokeback Mountain

BlueBirdTS

what about people who question there sexuality ? plenty do, and usually they make a decision, a conscious choice based on how they feel, which imo is psychological.

Give me an example.

a friend of mine, she strayed in a fair few lesbian relationships, but ultimately decided she wasnt gay and now is happy with a boyfriend of a few years. is that an example ?

Well, I don't believe homosexuals are depraved or sick. I'm just wondering if there's a "cause", or reason, since many believe that's not a choice that the individual made. If it's not a choice, then it's something that the person cannot control.

dog64

Oh, I know you don't believe that. I'm just saying, that's the background one has to keep in mind with most people who dedicate their life to convincing people that being homosexual is a choice. Not exactly the most objective people in the world. :P

I think that the evidence shows that it is not purely genetic - otherwise one might expect identical twins to always be either gay or not gay - but I think there certainly is evidence that there is a strong genetic component, and that the remainder of the explanation certainly does not involve any sort of choice - you cannot exactly choose to have a differently structured brain.

[QUOTE="BlueBirdTS"]

[QUOTE="joesh89"]

what about people who question there sexuality ? plenty do, and usually they make a decision, a conscious choice based on how they feel, which imo is psychological.

joesh89

Give me an example.

a friend of mine, she strayed in a fair few lesbian relationships, but ultimately decided she wasnt gay and now is happy with a boyfriend of a few years. is that an example ?

That's not really an instance of changing one's sexual orientation; that's just a matter of finding out what you always were but weren't sure about.

[QUOTE="joesh89"]

[QUOTE="BlueBirdTS"]

Give me an example.

GabuEx

a friend of mine, she strayed in a fair few lesbian relationships, but ultimately decided she wasnt gay and now is happy with a boyfriend of a few years. is that an example ?

That's not really an instance of changing one's sexual orientation; that's just a matter of finding out what you always were but weren't sure about.

possibly, i do see where youre point is coming from..

It totally is a choice to anyone who has ever answered the question "Who would you go gay for?" It's Viggo Mortensen, by the way...D3nnyCrane

:shock: That's a weird question to answer.