THE GENETICS OF HOMOSEXUALITY

Dear Isabella,

Enclosed are my thoughts concerning the genetics of homosexuality. As same-sex marriage is a topic of much debate these days, I am writing this blog in an attempt to summarize my feelings about condemning people for their genetic / biological character. I do think that demonstrating the genetic / biological reasons for a person's sexual orientation will make it easier for our culture to be more accepting of homosexuality and will lead to a climate of greater equality.

Your loving father,


Shawn


I recently took part in an interesting debate on Volokh Conspiracy regarding same-sex marriage ("SSM"). The one thing that really struck me is just how many people still believe that homosexuality is a choice -- while such people were unwilling to admit that their own heterosexuality was a choice. From my discussions with PhDs / MDs, it is my understanding that the general consensus among scholars of the day is that the "predominant" cause for ones sexual orientation is genetic / biological -- notwithstanding that there are certain cases that can be explained by childhood abuse, etc. For those that are interested, enclosed are some interesting links to articles regarding the genetic and biological components of sexual orientation.

To me, science, not to mention my friendships and life experiences, tells me that being gay is not a "choice." It is no more of a choice than "deciding" to use your left hand (when you are left-handed). Being left-handed is what is natural to that particular person -- yet for years left-handed people were asked to use their right hand when learning to write.

It is no more of "choice" than the one I have about being attracted to women. Really, how many (non-gay) men could "choose" to be attracted to a man? Please think about it. Could you make such a choice?

If the answer is no, then why do we hold someone who is gay to a different standard, or presume that, unlike you, he or she is capable of making such a choice? Why is it so easy to presume it is choice that someone makes, even if it means that he or she will be treated as a second-class citizen or disowned by his or her parents? I know that it is not a possibility for me, because I am genetically / biologically programmed to be attracted to women. I have been that way (you know, where girls made me "feel" different) since the first grade. I simply cannot (did not) choose one way or the other. Not all people are "programmed" the same, but they are programmed nonetheless.

Further, to state that a man (or woman) cannot fall in love (just because he is programmed to be attracted to other men) is inhumane. To state that SSM is inappropriate is no different from discriminating against someone for a genetic characteristic that is out of his or her control. It is no different from discriminating against someone for the color of his or her skin. [Remember that it was not very long ago that States had laws that prohibited whites and blacks from marring one another.] It is a form of bigotry and I am confident that this will be proven over time -- but maybe not in my lifetime.

I do understand why male gay acts might give straight men the heebie-jeebies. But honestly, as physical acts go, I have seen frat boys do things that the average straight man would consider more shocking. Therefore, the heebie-jeebies is also most likely the result of biology / culture and not any underlying moral mandate.

[It should also be noted that other animals show similar homosexual tendencies. No one argues that these other animals made a "choice." Honestly, does a sheep decide to be gay?]

Some interesting reads on the genetics:

ProundParenting.com article

NewScientist article

NewScientist.com article

Wikipedia.org article

Forbes.com article

FoxNews.com article

WebMD article

Some more interesting sites:

SocietyandGenetics.UCLA.edu article

SocietyandGenetics article

Psychology.UCDavis.edu article

WebMD.com article

MyDNA.com article

Marshal.edu student article

Davidson.edu student article

Stanford.edu article

Cornell.edu student article

MIT.edu student article

Rice.edu student article

Yale.edu class article

Let me just add that to me it does not matter if it is a choice or not. It is not a big deal if someone is straight or gay. However, I do think that demonstrating the genetic / biological reasons for a person's sexual orientation will make it easier for our culture to be more accepting of homosexuality and will lead to a climate of greater equality.

I think when it is all said and done, the biggest hurdle will be those imposed by religious organizations, as accepting the biological aspect of homosexuality might diminish the importance of certain religious traditions and teachings. For example, if one is born gay, then how can it be a sin? Aren't we born in the image of God? How can the bible be the actual word of God if it is not a sin? [Note, there is support that the original Hebrew / Greek bible never actually used the word homosexual (or a "similar" Greek word) or referred to innate gayness, and that this stuff only appeared later as the result of biased translators.] There will be enormous pressure put on researchers by the religions of the world to ensure that science and the "bible" do not conflict. For some, the foundation of their religion is fragile; and therefore, is not open to change or compromise. For some, it is just about appearances. After all, why does the Catholic Church continue to protect its priests that molest our children? The appearance of being infallible? Is perception reality?