New research reopens 'born gay' argument
A study showing that it may be possible to change the sexual orientation of gays and lesbians has reopened the debate over whether people are born homosexual or straight.
Controversial research demonstrating that some homosexual men and women were capable of becoming "predominantly" heterosexual following psychotherapy has created a furor within academia.
Critics believe the study is seriously flawed but supporters argue that it exposes the myth that homosexuality is "hard wired" from birth, which would mean that nothing can be done to alter a person's sexual orientation.
The fact that people even talk about this has always bothered me. You can make the argument that it's all for "scientific research" or whatever, but the bottom line and the end goal has always been to rid homosexuality from the face of the earth.
The arguments are always the same. They start out by saying something that sounds half-way reasonable to most people, such as "those people who are homosexual who would like to be heterosexual should have the opportunity and support to change...". What they are really looking for is this: "How do we just get rid of it so we don't have to deal with these freaks?"
If you think that is a bit harsh, how do you explain all the research that has taken place in the past to locate the "gay genes"? The entire purpose behind that research is for the purpose of parents knowing ahead of time if they should abort a birth because the child will be gay. It is for the purpose of eradicating those of us who are homosexual. Of course, by doing that you would also be destroying a lot of important people from the history of mankind.
Society looks at ridding itself of homosexuality because they feel that it's very difficult to be homosexual in this world. The truth is, it is. But, the problem to be addressed, the "disease" if you will, is not to be found in homosexuality, but rather the hatred that this society has bestowed upon homosexuals.
They should be looking at ways to rid society of hatred.
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Hi Bill,
I have so many things to say today...I'll keep my comments in the appropriate posts.
Firstly, being a geneticist I have often looked at the genetic "factors" involved in sexuality. I have a book called gay Science, which presents all kinds of literature about scientific research involved in sexuality, predominantly homosexuality. Personally, I think people are nuts! I can say with 99% certainty that there is not a "gay gene"--if anything, sexuality is a multifactorial characteristic, with more than one gene influencing each individual.
I personally believe that sexuality is fluid and based in our genetics and environment. Christy and I were recently talking about all of this. I believe that I was "born gay" and that my environment contributed to my coming into my own.
Regardless of what studies are published and what some researchers say I am pretty secure in saying that they aren't going to find a gene with a mutation that = gay. People put so much emphasis on the why that they miss the big picture. Everything about us as a species is evidence that diversity is the key. Scientifically diversity makes sense, it allows for genetic variation, the whole idea of survival f the fittest... Of course, being a scientist I do think about the why, but I don't allow it to overshadow the fact that we as gay individuals do exist, are gay for whatever reason, and are a natural part of this species.
And as for the idea that parents could choose the sexuality of their children, maybe that idea could backfire on all those crazy conservatives...maybe gay parents will only choose to have gay kids and we'll slowly but surely take over the world...hey, is that the "gay agenda" they are always referring to?
Anyway, great post...got my mind going!
Michelle