Homosexuality: a choice or a gene?

[allenb1963]

A simple question really, directed at the members here that have an "alternative" lifestyle. Is one born gay or is it a lifestyle choice?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a homophobe trying to stir up ****, I'm just curious. I've known several homosexuals in my life, counted most of them as friends for that matter. I've got 2 cousins that are in long-term commited homosexual relationships. But I honestly know next to nothing about homosexuals in general, hence the question I'm asking here because well, the internet...that is, sitting here behind this screen, allows a certain level of comfort when dealing with what would be a "delicate" issue in r/l.

BTW...NO FLAMES from the 'phobes....I'd prefer to see a legit discussion here...this is a quest for understanding and although I consider myself a Christian, I'd prefer not to see any bible thumping here...no arguments please as it just serves to cloud the discussion.

[er0k]

I, although having no idea, would say it is more or less natural.. i don't know about it being a gene, but i think it has alot to do with simply who one is, what has happened to them, what they have done, etc... I'm undecided on this really. Having no idea, i would like to hear from homosexual people what they believe...

[allenb1963]

heh...I'll clarify by saying that "gene" sounded a wee bit more sophisticated (and polite) than "are you born that way."

[Donkey Punch]

Well, is heterosexuality genes or a choice?

[CybertecOne]

this isnt the first time ive heard this theory. and i havent done any research on it either. but from what i can remember the results were inconclusive as there was insufficient proof, and of course that means its the same as any other theory about aliens/government conspiracies,

meaning that it COULD be true and the evidence is there to support, AND deny the case. it will never be proven/disproven (at least atm).

IMO, its gene related, but you have the choice during life. something you choose and is then locked in -> the person you are going to become the rest of your life.

CTO

[AngelicKnight]

I think it's possible. I'm not sure though. I'll try to come at this from my own theological perspective without "bible-thumping" per se.

Allen, following our shared faith, this would seem to fall in line with the idea that the world has fallen and is in a growing state of entropy...as shown in certain things we are even being born with now. For instance, I'm pretty sure we can all agree that all us "straight" guys are born with the instinctive desire to impregnate every attractive girl we come in contact with, if I may be frank. It's not right for us to do so, but we are born that way, aren't we? Fortunately, we are creatures of free will that do not have to follow the desires we are born with...else I'd have a lot children and angry ex-girlfriends right about now.

But I guess for now, we can only ponder such things...An interesting point though. If this is indeed the case, it doesn't make our homosexual friends any different than the rest of us, cuz heck, we're all screwed up. Sure, I'm not gay, but I've got issues of my own that are no less severe, so I'm not exactly in a place to judge less the finger-pointing turns to my own sins. Let us bear with each other and figure these things out together...

[jinxy]

Even if you exept the x/y chromazone theory, it still comes down to a life style choise. There are many cases of people who are none hetrosexual, who choose to live hetrosexual lifes.

[|3lack|ce]

I asked around to some of my friends who happen to be homosexuals, and got a variety of answers, most of which were that they've been gay as long as they could remember. The best and most profound answer came from a girl I know who said, "I could've fallen in love with anyone. I just happened to fall in love with a woman first." Most of them, (and I now) believe it's not genetic, it's just a choice which is influenced by their personal histories.

[AngelicKnight]

it's just a choice which is influenced by their personal histories.

What's this tell you?

It tells me that we're generally treating the opposite sex as crap. Heck, having had the love of my life just dump me right after having just professed her love to me this week, I can understand why some throw up their hands and give up on the opposite sex. I think a lot of these people are finding within the same sex what they should be able to find but can't in the opposite sex, and I find that to be a sad truth.

I think, in a manner of speaking, we're helping create them.

[jinxy]

The best and most profound answer came from a girl I know who said, "I could've fallen in love with anyone. I just happened to fall in love with a woman first."

Not exactly that profound, as it doesn't deal with the question. Imo it side steps the issue. Does she mean that she could just as easily have fallen for a man. Could she fall for a man now if the current relationship comes to an end. Or has the fact she has fallen for a women made her honosexual?

Angelic woman are fickle creatures, i met one two weeks ago who was so interested in me it was scary. Made arangments to meet again, spent an hour or two in a pub, then back to her place. Bloody ex boyfriend turns up and i'm forced to leave via the back door, she phoned me this morning to ask if she can have some space to sort out her ex. I no a brush off when i get one lol.