Quick Scientific Facts That Disprove Myth That Homosexuality is a "Choice"

[RyanPsych]

Since the advent of the gay rights movement, gay and lesbian people have been bombarded by a myth: that their non-heterosexual sexual orientation is nothing more than a "choice" that they made. This myth promotes the notion that sexual minority people are either disordered or sexual deviants. It is propped up by rhetoric from arch-conservative politicians and religious leaders who use it to oppose equal rights for gays and lesbians. However, it flies in the face of scientific truth (and logic).

The myth that sexual orientation is a choice has been promulgated by right-wing Republicans and social Christian groups for years. This includes GOP candidates like Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich. Santorum has referred to homosexuality as a "behavioral thing" that goes against "Biblical truth." Gingrich also views sexual orientation as a choice, saying that gays and lesbians should choose to be "celibate" if they can't be heterosexual. In their defense of the Defense of Marriage Act, House Republicans allege that homosexuality is not "an immutable characteristic; it is behavioral."

<snip>

What do actual psychological and medical organizations say about homosexuality? According to the American Psychological Association, homosexuality is a normal variation of human sexuality that does not indicate any disorder. The association goes on to say that sexual orientation is a romantic, emotional, and physical attraction to members of the same, opposite, or both sexes. The American Psychiatric Association opposes any "reparative therapy" because it has no record of efficacy, and is based on the incorrect premise that homosexuality is a disorder.

What does scientific research say about sexual orientation? Brain image scans have yielded distinct, observable differences between the brains of heterosexuals and the brains of their gay and lesbian peers. Positron Emission Topography scans have indicated that the symmetry between brain lobes of gay men resembles those of heterosexual women. Researchers have also found that the amygdala (area of brain responsible for emotional learning) of gay men and straight women are similar, while the amygdala of straight men and lesbians are similar. According to Dr. Qazi Rahman, a professor of cognitive biology at Queen Mary University of London, these differences can only be formed during the fetal period, which indicates "if you are gay - you are born gay."

keep reading at: http://www.peoplesworld.org/the-choice-myth-about-sexual-orientation

*I don't know about you guys- but it pisses me off to no end when people say that being gay is a choice- and then refuse to even acknowledge how illogical that is

[safeinOhio]

1. I would think it is

like one's choice to be a Hermaphrodite or pseudohermaphroditism. I'd like to hear them
explain that too.

[RyanPsych]

4. They'd probably explain it using words such as "Satan"

and other such absurdities.

[WingDinger]

2. YOUR logic is faulty.

Just because gay and womens brains are similar, does NOT prove that sexual orientation is inborn. Brains change, according to what they think.

If being gay was a choice, it would likely occur, how I was taught. About two, various factors go into what gender you find appealing, in a sexual type way. So, it being a choice, is moot. You wont change that association. Now, any attempts to change that at around two, should be discouraged. For there is no impairment to choosing either way.

I think that leaving it as a choice is judged as dangerous to our desire to guarantee equal rights. Many feel that inborn sexual orientation can give protected minority status to gays. I think that mainstreaming sexual orientation that is gay is the goal. Even thinking in terms of protected minority, is antithetical to that goal.

As far as I am concerned, all persons are created equal. And, all persons are allowed THEIR pursuit of happiness. And the chosen moniker, gay fits well with happiness.




"""""The choice myth also fuels a pseudo-scientific practice known as "reparative therapy"""""""

We should not allow social threats dictate our science.





""""""According to Dr. Qazi Rahman, a professor of cognitive biology at Queen Mary University of London, these differences can only be formed during the fetal period, which indicates "if you are gay - you are born gay." """



I dont know if I buy that yet.

[RyanPsych]

3. According to *actual* neuroscientists

the kind of differences- hypocampal volume, amygdala differences are biological, rather than due to plasticity. Yes- the brain can change due to behavioral changes, however not this drastic or consistent of a fashion.


Also- read the rest of the article for other differences- including features that are *only* determined in the womb before you give us your professional judgement.

[WingDinger]

5. Yeah, I know, I have that digit thingie. But am not gay.

[RyanPsych]

9. Never in the article, or the linked studies do they content a 1:1 link

Instead it relies, like most science on statistical differences. Most gay people have a certain digit ratio *most* straight people have a different digit ratio.

[justiceischeap]

6. So when did you choose to be straight?

Cause I certainly didn't choose to be gay. I actually tried being straight and it made me miserable. The choice debate is a valid one, it shouldn't have to be but it is. I grow weary of people saying I could wake up one day and be another way--that's not to say that some people don't make a choice to be gay nor should there be a problem with that but stating that gay people choose to be gay is insulting. I choose my shirts, I choose my pants, I choose my underwear and socks but I don't choose whom I'm sexually or emotionally attracted to.

[WingDinger]

7. Best I can remember, I cant remember.

I only remember one incident when I was two. So, for all intents and purposes, it is inborn.


And I think if more people CHOSE to love, instead of the western conception, that love possesses you and you have no choice, marriage would be a more solid institution.

[RyanPsych]

8. Because 2-year olds question their sexuality?

Tough sell there bub

[WingDinger]

11. No, they dont question their sexuality.

They are just being human. There is not a card you sign, or anything like that.

And if sexual preference is inborn, and set in stone, how do you square the continuum, that is supposed to represent all shades of same?

And how do you explain bisexuality, with hormones and brain structure?

[RyanPsych]

12. by comprehending the fact that human sexuality isn't binary

But please- prove me wrong. If its not inborn- prove it to me. You say you are heterosexual- so go hook up with someone of your sex- and choose to enjoy it. Or, it thats too much- *choose* to fantasize about someone of your sex. Take your time, I'll be here waiting.

[WingDinger]

16. That would not be CHOOSING, it would be UNCHOOSING, and that has been deemed bogus.

[RyanPsych]

17. At this point- I'm just going to assume that you're a troll

so that I can maintain what little faith I have left in humanity.

[WingDinger]

19. No, I am not a troll. I am pro gay marriage. I am pro whateverthehellyouchoose.

I simply KNOW, that there is a motivation to FIND gayness inborn. Therefore, and especially since all science used to find sexual preference situated around the age of two, I am sceptical. It means nothing to me except that there is so much heat around the argument.

Why do I NEED to believe like you? So that the evil rethugs dont discriminate? I have a constitution for that.

[stopbush]

10. The Xianistas rail against gay rights because they say being gay is "a choice,"

and yet, being religious is also a choice, and a freedom of choice guaranteed by the Constitution. In fact, you can choose to change your religion from Catholic to Baptist, Xian to Muslim and the Constitution still guarantees you the right to freedom of religious choice.

So what is the rationale behind denying gays equal rights by thinking being gay is a choice?

[WingDinger]

13. I can answer that.

The ones that arent haters, think that govs. ONLY interest in marriage, is to promote children, and promote the most stable possible family, to raise them.

I think that too. BUTTTTTTTTT, when rethugs and right wingers want to limit LGBT civil rights, I then must promote gay marriage, to offset that hate. I must also promote equal footing in adoptions etc.

[RyanPsych]

18. So the elderly, the infertile, and those who dont want children shouldn't get married?

Also- there is data out there that shows that gay and lesbian parents are just as efficacious at parenting as heterosexuals, and their children score the same in psychological and intelligence outcomes- so that "promote(s) children" and stable families as well.

[WingDinger]

20. I believe that gay and lesbian parents canbe/are as good of parents.

A little racous, what with all the gay bashing that goes on.

But, they cant do it without some kind of help. Obviously. I would like to limit all forms of social promotion, where relationships are concerned, but that cat was let outta the bag eons ago.

[RyanPsych]

15. you're making the unfortunate mistake of thinking that they need a rationale

to be bigoted.

[HopeHoops]

14. That wasn't "quick", but it is correct.

[WingDinger]

21. Are you willing to base equal rights for gays on gayness being inborn? Or on the CON?

Or, how about we base them on something REALLY solid, like which foods are bad for you? The inborn gay trope, is a trap.

[HopeHoops]

22. I just think everyone should be considered equal. It simplifies things.

[WingDinger]

23. Excellent.

[Spike89]

24. A trap and the right's framing of the issue

Discussion about whether there are biological markers, indicators, or "causes" for sexual preferences are interesting and important. However, they shouldn't be a factor in the political debate on rights because it simply doesn't matter if someone must or someone chooses--it isn't anyone's business.
The real danger in the argument (aside from the fact it will never be scientifically settled) is that it ultimately comes down to a devaluation of the element of choice, as if choosing something is less valid than being forced by biology. Of course, falling into the right's trap leads to a no-win place. If it is biological, they will advocate "fixing" the gayness through gene therapy, meds, surgery, whatever and then pushing for restrictions on those who "willfully" continue to be gay. If it turns out (as it will) that biology is only a portion of the equation, they've won again in that they can continue to condemn the "choice".
The choices people make on this subject are not right or wrong, they are simply human choices made for human reasons. We should be vigorously defending the right to make any choices we want in the area of sexuality.