Are people born gay?

Guybrush · 05-20-2012, 05:45 PM

From Wikipedia :

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wikipedia

Research has identified several biological factors which may be related to the development of sexual orientation, including genes, prenatal hormones, and brain structure. No single controlling cause has been identified, and research is continuing in this area.

The prevailing view is that sexual orientation is biological in nature, determined by a complex interplay of genetic factors and the early uterine environment. Some believe that sexual orientation is established at conception, therefore not a choice. That is, individuals do not choose to be homosexual, heterosexual, bisexual, or asexual. There is no substantive evidence to support the suggestion that early childhood experiences, parenting, sexual abuse, or other adverse life events influence sexual orientation.

duga · 05-20-2012, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janszoon

I'm not a scientist but my suspicion is that the real answer to this question is going to turn out to be a lot more complicated than a yes or a no.

Socially, yes. I feel there are people who go through certain circumstances that leads to being gay while "genetically" there is no difference from a straight person. That, and if this is truly linked to a gene on the Y chromosome, what about lesbianism?

So, yeah, it's complicated. I do feel it is important to show a genetic link, though, if any sympathy is to be had from ass hole conservatives.

DoctorSoft · 05-20-2012, 06:17 PM

I think that most gay/bi people are born with their sexuality in their genes, but I wouldn't be surprised if social factors didn't play a small role.

TockTockTock · 05-20-2012, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janszoon

I'm not a scientist but my suspicion is that the real answer to this question is going to turn out to be a lot more complicated than a yes or a no.

Fair enough. Would you mind adding a third option (I feel "Other" would suffice) to the poll?

**Janszoon** · 05-20-2012, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack Pat

Fair enough. Would you mind adding a third option (I feel "Other" would suffice) to the poll?

Sure thing!

RVCA · 05-20-2012, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janszoon

I'm not a scientist but my suspicion is that the real answer to this question is going to turn out to be a lot more complicated than a yes or a no.

Indeed. I take an intuitive approach to the problem-- to say that someone is "born gay" implies that their sexuality has already been determined at birth, which implies that sexuality is determined solely by genetics and any prenatal hormones. Then why is it that roughly half of all gay individuals with an identical twin have a twin that is not also gay? They have the same DNA and were gestated in the same womb. It seems reasonable to conclude, then, that sexuality is not decided at birth, and is contingent upon other factors.

But this is really all just splitting hairs and I would agree that someone has no choice in what they're sexually attracted to, and if I were speaking colloquially I would agree that you are "born gay".

midnight rain · 05-20-2012, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVCA

Indeed. I take an intuitive approach to the problem-- to say that someone is "born gay" implies that their sexuality has already been determined at birth, which implies that sexuality is determined solely by genetics and any prenatal hormones. Then why is it that roughly half of all gay individuals with an identical twin have a twin that is not also gay?

Phenotypes?

I'm no expert on this, but that could be a possibility.

RVCA · 05-20-2012, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuna

Phenotypes?

I'm no expert on this, but that could be a possibility.

Huh? It's been a while since I studied anything on genetics, could you elaborate?

midnight rain · 05-20-2012, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVCA

Huh? It's been a while since I studied anything on genetics, could you elaborate?

Identical twins have identical genotypes, but no individual's entire genotype is ever expressed. Genotypes are our entire genetic makeup. Phenotypes are the genes in the genotype that end up actually being expressed (the rest of the genes being unused). That's why identical twins don't look and act exactly alike (mothers being able to tell them apart and all), because they have different phenotypes.

This would lend credence to homosexuality being a product of both genetics and environment.

Gucci Little Piggy · 05-21-2012, 12:56 AM

No quotes from "Born This Way"? No? Seriously?

Anyways, I'm pretty sure gay people are born this way.

View Poll Results: What do you think?
Yes	9,999,999,999	100.00%
No	1	0.00%
Other	4	0.00%
Voters: 10000000004. You may not vote on this poll

05-21-2012, 12:56 AM	#20 (permalink)
Gucci Little Piggy Music Addict Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 315	No quotes from "Born This Way"? No? Seriously? Anyways, I'm pretty sure gay people are born this way. __________________ My Last.fm. Please add me. Now. NOW. FUCK THE PORN IT CAN WAIT. My RYM thingy I now have a tumblr and I do stuff on it

05-20-2012, 06:17 PM	#13 (permalink)
DoctorSoft Rocket Appliances Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 1,335	I think that most gay/bi people are born with their sexuality in their genes, but I wouldn't be surprised if social factors didn't play a small role.