Reply #28: The research gets pretty interesting here [View All]

[Nevernose]

Most of the studies I've seen suggest, at best, a 50/50 nature/nurture ratio.

On the genetic side of the argument, there are anomolies (they were unable to reproduce the results indicating a genetic link in other Western nations, e.g.).

The nature side of the argument has some good proofs, too. For instance, one study I read (not a Fred Phelps one, either), found that homosexuals were SEVEN times as likely to have been molested as children, suggesting an environmental causation, rather than a genetic link.

On an anecdotal level, I've had numerous gay friends and one (maybe two, if you county the one in denial :-) ) gay family members; they assure me in private that they believe that SOME gays are born gay, but for most it was a conscious choice at some point in their lives (and a thousand different reasons for that choice). But like I said, this is purely anecdotal.

One of my gay friends once answered the question "Are gays born gay or choose to be gay?" this way: "There are as many different reasons to be gay as there are gay people; every gay person is unique."

Answer the argument this way: DOES IT MATTER IF HOMOSEXUALITY IS HEREDITARY OR CHOSEN? WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE, AND WHAT BUSINESS IS IT OF YOURS?