Are people born gay?

Because this issue is so politically freighted, the amount of reliable scientific study is still small. A clear genetic marker for homosexuality has been found for men. For women, there simply is not enough research to conclude definitively yet. There are some indicators that it is also biological for women. One controlled study that showed that lesbian women are more likely to have lesbian relatives (daughters, mothers, aunts, cousins, sisters than straight women). Another study involved twins and found that identical twins were more likely to have a lesbian twin than non-identical twin girls, and both identical and non-identical twin girls were more likely to have a lesbian sister than sisters who were adopted (sharing no genetic material). Genetic markers have not yet been found.

Human sexuality is really a continuum rather than a black-and-white straight or gay choice.

I was once in a group of women and people were giving their name and talking a little bit about themselves. One woman said that she was a lesbian and proud of it. Then the next woman also identified herself as gay. The woman after that said, “Hi, my name is Stacy and I am heterosexual, but not necessarily by choice.” It broke everyone up. We were all, straight and gay, sisters in that moment.

Not that it has any bearing on the validity of my answer, but I am straight.

Not this crap again. How’s this, since you are not gay then don’t worry about it.

I think being gay or straight is determined the same way as the colors or food we like. It just kind of is there and we don’t really have a choice in it. Environmental and biological factors both can have a role in it, but it’s just a bit of a mystery as to why.

I don’t think it matters. :/

Most are, from what I know.

**waits quietly for Riser’s long response to this**

Your sex is biological.
Your gender is your expected behavior for males and females as defined by culture.

As a child your idendity is influenced by the people you are around the most. You take on sex roles by imitating who you want to be like.

If you “say” you aren’t gay. Why are you worried about it?

My response to “why is homophobia more acceptable than racism?”

I dont believe I am born gay. So what? I am not asking people to force themselves into homosexual relationships so why should they force me to pretend to enjoy marriage to a woman. I like women… Especially at a distance

My response (in the same question) to someone’s question to me:

Several variables having to do with a forced sexual birth, but the point is I need no scientific explanation to be with my partner.

My response to a homosexual genetics question:

I believe the variables that determine a person’s sexual make-up far outweigh the “cold hard facts” necessary to prove homosexuality is genetic.

Psychologically, it is not impossible to develop behavioral tendencies in all aspects of life, including orientation. This does not prove nor disprove being born homosexual or heterosexual, it does however suggest that not all gay people are born equal.

Until a laundry list of babies are documented as being gay, their parents are not given this information (so as not to influence them) and end up aware of their homosexuality, I cannot believe in being born gay.

However, it is not impossible to consider certain genetic tendencies toward abstract thought.

I believe we experience a sexual birth, much like our physical one, that develops steadily, around the age of six. Until then we are essentially a-sexual, requiring no distance or intimacy toward the opposite sex. It is at the age of six that most young boys develop a bonding toward one another and a unified distance from females, using kid-dom’s most infamous disease, cooties, as an excuse. Eventually this sexual behavior evolves into a new found bonding with the opposite sex and a desire to pursue them, however with the introduction of certain experiences, such as molestation or sexual contact from the same sex at an age that does not allow certain processes to completely mature, can and I believe do change someone’s sexual make-up. Before anyone attacks me for my theories, let me say that I am not suggesting it requires molestation or other traumas to predispose someone toward homosexuality, but rather suggesting the possibility that if our first sexual experience is homosexual, whether it is infatuation, molestation, attraction or sexual contact with a peer, could it be that, because of immaturity in the psyche, our sexual birth forever unifies us with our orientation and in that way, suggests we are born homosexual.

Highest Regards,

A proud, engaged, homosexual

I also said (in that same question):

I prefer the idea of choice over genetics probably because I tell stories for a living and, to me, the story leading to how I met my fiance is much more intriguing and beautiful than the simple fact that I have a mutation in my cerebral outline.

I don’t see the importance in proving genetic theory. I know who I am and am comfortable with many choices I have made in my life, if it so happens to be I chose to unveil the curtain of orientation in order to see I am most compatible with a same-sex companion, so be it.

I relate to men better and enjoy their company more, not that I don’t have female friends but I can only relate to them on platonic levels. This has nothing to do with genetics.

My opinions haven’t changed since these posts.

Why does almost everyone in this discussion feel subconsiouly compelled to state whether or not they are gay? Why does most discussion of sexual preference lead people to become overly aware of themselves? Why is this topic always taken so personally?

I could be gay if I met the right man.

Who cares? Just follow your heart and don’t discriminate against others who do the same and are of a different orientation. What possible good can come out of the associated research by obsessed scientists? If there were to be some predisposition evidence, it will have homophobic parents going to extreme measures to overcome what is undoubtedly going to be very disputable evidence. And the outcome from that will be unnecessarily destroyed lives.
And psyla, you are absolutely right on about how people always seem to personalize this discussion, but, I feel compelled to advise everyone that: I follow my heart. I suggest everyone else do the same and just shut up.

johnpowell, in the other discussion you said you were not gay. I think it’s more important to find out if each of us is gay or not rather than to answer the original question.

@johnpowell – me too.
@psyla – why is it so important to find out whether or not each or us are gay or not? I don’t think it’s that important at all, because no matter our sexual orientation, we’re still human.

I know it’s not important I was just wondering. If you aren’t going to say something useful please don’t say anything at all

no people are not born gay. There is no gene for heterosexuality how can there be a gene for homosexuality.
It is probably a hormonal issue.

@MrsDr.. You asked a simple question and people out their are taking time out to answer your question. You are going to get answers that you don’t like; whether they are useful or not. Again, they are answers from people YOU asked a questioned to. Accept the answers you get.

I think some people are born gay. Even I’d it is hormonal, that’s how they were born.

Hi, I’m here with the data:

“Sibling, twin, and adoptee concordance rates are compatible with the hypothesis that genes account for at least half of the variance in sexual orientation.”
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9549243

“Despite inconsistent results across both studies and traits, some support for the neurohormonal theory is garnered, but mostly in men. Genetic research using family and twin methodologies has produced consistent evidence that genes influence sexual orientation, but molecular research has not yet produced compelling evidence for specific genes.”
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12836730

“Our results corroborate the previously reported linkage between Xq28 and male homosexuality in selected kinships and suggest that this region contains a locus that influences individual variations in sexual orientation in men but not in women.”
http://www.nature.com/ng/journal/v11/n3/abs/ng1195–248.html

Just a couple articles out of thousands. Make your own conclusions.

I wish I was gay!

I mean I don’t have a HUGE problem with it. It just seems wrong to me. I mean, God made men and women to marry and have “you know what” with each. I guess maybe that’s why. It’s the sin I have kind of the problem with bot the sinner. I know someone that is gay and he is a really nice guy. I don’t not like him because he is gay it’s just I don’t like that he is gay. if that makes since

Gay people are just God’s solution to population control!

@Mrs_Dr_Frank_N_Furter
Some of us don’t believe in god. And marriage is a new concept. Well, I guess it isn’t if you believe the earth is four thousand years old.

The non double negative way to say what you just said, Mrs D, is…
I know someone that is gay and he is a really nice guy. I like him even though he is gay it’s just I don’t like that he is gay. if that makes since

Doesn’t sound so nice, now, does it?

God made men and women to marry? Hey, someone notify the Pope and all the priests immediately!

If I’m not mistaken, your avatar and name (modified by your addition of Mrs) portray the character played by Tim Curry in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Thus you are representing yourself to the collective as “a sweet transvestite from Transylvania,” yet you are judgmental about peoples sexual orientation? What’s wrong with this picture?

thanks delirium. I was a little unsure

I think this person might be trolling, guys…

I’m not judgemental of them. I said love the sinner not the sin.

trolling?

@niki: She’s been around a while. But yeah, I would have thought so too. Particularly because her liking tim curry is a laugh if she’s this much of a fundie.

@dan: **Waits with anticipation**

delirium have you seen the rocky horror picture show?

Mrs. Frank: First off, Tim Curry is a genius and I couldn’t agree with you more about your love affair with the man, by the way… he’s gay.

Trolling is an internet term for someone who purposely disrupts forums through controversy, often times, pro-Christian.

The problem is you are of a religious opinion about a non-religious issue. Science and psychology are not religious and do not hold to the same moral code as Religion.

Simply because something is unnatural does not mean that is impossible or unbiblical. God prefers to operate in what is unnatural. (see immaculate conception)

NO I WON“T BELIEVE IT!!!!

Actually this is kind of a religious subject

Sorry sweetheart,

I worked as a writer in the film industry up until very recently. I met the man, very nice, in love with gardening and his partner too.

how does that relate to tim?

I’ve seen it the film many times and love it. What’s your point and what don’t you believe?

How does what relate to Tim? his gardening?

@whatthefluther: I was going to say to delirium it’s antici….....pation. i don’t believe he is gay

@Riser: i know plenty of men who garden who aren’t gay

anticipation… I spelled it correctly. And if you’ll note… dan also said he was in love with his PARTNER.

Partner. As in… man he loves. Man he lives with. Man he snuggles with and drinks hot coco with on the weekends… and man he snuggles with and drinks hot coco with on the…. probably all the time, actually.

Mrs. Dr,

“he loves gardening and his partner too”

no delirium. I meant from the movie

I was fortunate enough to meet Tim as well, and yes, he is gay. So what?

I didn’t see that…but i won’t believe it! it can’t happen to me again! First Mike Myers then chiroprator

my chiropractor*

Oh dear…what’s the world coming to?

My final girlfriend (my last ditch effort) admitted to me I was the third gay man she dated.

I think your girlfriend had more problems than your upbringing thought you had, dan. >.>

OH NO, THE GAYS ARE TAKING OVER. EVERYONE, HIDE IN YOUR HOMES. RETREAT TO YOUR CHURCHES AND YOUR CATHOLIC ALL BOYS SCHOOLS AND YOUR NUNNERIES….. its safe there….. we swear…..

Mrs. D,

To get back on subject (*dodges an attacking gay) were you hoping to educate yourself with the hopes of changing your opinion? (*misses, within an inch of his life, a rainbow painted fleet of F-14s) Otherwise many on this site would believe this is a loaded question. I’m not saying (*runs away from a glitter grenade) that I believe you intended this to be a loaded question, but did you really desire a newfound knowledge and viewpoint on this subject? (*flesh-speared to death)

riser….I believe the news about Tim has placed her in shock!

she’s probably off searching for a new avatar

I suggest Bill O’Reilly. I’m on that theme today.

no i’m not going to change it if he is gay or not. Besides, the minute he meets me (if he is gay) he will turn straight and then we will get married. :)

Oh honey, dream on!!!

I believe that it’s far more important to have delirium correct our grammar & spelling than to answer the question. Isn’t that the true purpose of Fluther, to have our grammar corrected by delirium?

@psyla: I think you need to get over it.

Seriously!

don’t be rude Bub

Bub wasn’t being rude, he was being realistic.

I agree!!! You can’t change someone’s sexual preference any more than you can change your own.

why do people get angry when someone asks this question. Why would someones curiosity make you angry. I feel its a valid question that warrants an explanation for those who are curious. I understand its personal and complicated for some to answer, but nobody is forcing anyone to give one.

I was just saying that we should be keeping on the topic. No anger here.

well it sure sounded to me like you were trying to crush my dreams.

I would never want to crush your dreams! You just keep on dreaming!!!

thank you…wait…

@Mrs. Dr “I mean I don’t have a HUGE problem with it. It just seems wrong to me. I mean, God made men and women to marry and have “you know what” with each. I guess maybe that’s why. It’s the sin I have kind of the problem with bot the sinner. I know someone that is gay and he is a really nice guy. I don’t not like him because he is gay it’s just I don’t like that he is gay. if that makes since”

So say you meet someone, and she becomes like, your best friend. You absolutley love everything about her. She has such a nice personalitly, she is there when you need to talk, and then one day, after a year or so, you find out she’s lesbian. What’re you going to do? Turn around, and walk away? Now please tell me this, since you are a strong christian, was Jesus preaching to the worshipers when he was on earth? Who was he preaching to? The sinners. Who did he spend most of his time with? The sinners. God created us all equal. So why does someone such as yourself, completely freak out when you find someone is a homosexual? God apparently planned us all from the beginning. He knows what’s going to happen in our lives, and what we’re going to do. So why should the people who are going to be homosexuals be born at all then?? What’s stopping him from ever letting this happen, if it’s such a horrible sin? God supposedly loves all of us, no matter what sin we commit. And as long as we accept him as our savior, our God, then hell, we have a first class ticket to hevean right? Now, how can you sit there, and be such a good little christain, and this not enter your little skull? I haven’t been to church in years!! I haven’t read past the Adam and Eve part in the Bible, yet I know basically what it says in there. I don’t know if I even BELIEVE in that or not, but yet I seem to know more about what God and Jesus intended, than you did. What a pitty.