The Gay Gene

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Recommended: genetics as a cause of homosexuality

Nowadays, being gay is everywhere. It seems like a trip to the supermarket is never complete without a magazine or commercial on the radio advertising gay pride. It seems like the most effective of these trials has to be the hit television show Glee. Many of the shows episodes revolve on the aspect be yourself, whether you are gay, straight, handicapped, or popular. But only one of these has caught the eye of the American public. Gay pride, is it possible to have been born this way? If people can be born this way, what is the proof?

According to Jeffrey Satinover, MD, there is no evidence that shows homosexuality is genetic. Stating “homosexuality may run in families but you get viruses from your parents too, and some bad habits…” (Top 10 Pros). Brian S. Mustanski, PhD, agrees that though there may be no ‘gay’ gene, multiple genes potentially interacting with the environment could explain sexual orientation. Ex- gays are living proof that homosexuality is not fixed permanently. Therefore, for someone to be born gay, obviously that person would not be able to change ones sexual preference.

At one point homosexuality was considered to be a psychological disorder. Although the American Psychological Association states, “When researchers examined data about these people who were not in therapy, the idea that homosexuality was a mental illness was quickly found to be untrue.” According to Rita Mae Brown, speech, 28 August 1982, “No government has the right to tell its citizens when or whom to love. The only queer people are those who don't love anybody (Quotes on Homosexuality).” Kathleen Melonakos, founder of Delaware Family Foundation, wants to know how it’s not considered a mental disorder. Considering that homosexuality involves a life threatening behavior with an addictive component which has serious health implications. “That word "lesbian" sounds like a disease. And straight men know because they're sure that they're the cure,” Denise McCanles (Quotes on Homosexuality).

Though many researchers will agree that homosexuality is not genetic, still, others beg to differ. HRC.org published an article entitled “Guide to Coming Out,” the article states ‘sexuality and gender identity are not choices any more than being left-handed or having brown eyes or being heterosexual are choices…The choice is in deciding how to live your life.’ With society always shoving their view into the minds of Americans second of everyday, it is not that hard to see where the confusion arises.

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