A new study has identified a small but significant biological factor that influences the sexual identity of males. The study proves that “having one or more older brothers boosts the likelihood of a boy growing up to be gay — an effect due not to social factors, but biological events that occur in their mother’s womb…”
While the study does not provide the ultimate proof that sexual orientation is innate, it does offer definitive evidence that biological forces have a role.
This is significant because, according to a 2003 Pew poll, 42 percent of Americans believe that homosexuality is a lifestyle choice — and it is among this group that we find the conservatives’ consensus of opposition for equal treatment under the law for gay people.
What fascinates me about rightwingers’ belief that sexual orientation is a choice is that, while they project this decision making onto those of us who grew up to be gay, they are apparently blind to the converse decision-making that it implies about themselves.
If homosexuals “decide” to be gay, then the corollary must be true: Heterosexuality must be a lifestyle choice, too.
What this means is that, at some point in their lives, these conservatives seriously considered becoming gay but then decided to pass.
This decision must have been wrenching. And over time, their suppressed desires turned into self-loathing — a disgust which they came to project onto others who, they believe, did not have the fortitude to conquer their attraction for members of their own gender.
This internalized homophobia is like bulimia of the spirit. Its victims starve their psyches by regurgitating their self-loathing.
Truly straight people do not — cannot — make a choice about their sexual orientation, just as gay people don’t, and can’t, choose. People who are comfortable in their own sexual personae are not threatened by the way the sexuality of others is expressed.
I suggest reading the book, “Sex on the Brain.” It explains the many events that happen to a fetus in the womb. The fetus is constantly being washed with hormones. It is an interesting read.
Although your conclusion is valid, your argument is not. The notion that homosexuality is a choice would certainly have the corollary that heterosexuality is a choice, but it would NOT lead to the conclusion that “these conservatives seriously considered becoming gay.” You have a choice of ice cream flavors too, but if you pick chocolate, that doesn’t mean that you seriously considered butter pecan. (Or whatever flavors you think are the best metaphors for sexual orientation!)
Ann,
First, how can a conclusion be valid but the underlying argument not be? I don’t think that’s technically possible.
The underlying truth here is that no one “chooses” their sexuality. While bisexuals do not choose to be bisexuals, they can choose to have partners of either sex.
Conservatives who believe that gay people chose their sexual identity are almost undoubtedly bisexuals who chose to suppress their natural same-sex desires at an early age.
Why else would they — could they — project such decision making on gay people, who, I repeat did not, cannot, choose their sexuality?
So, you were a homo?
Jon at the Pensito Review raised a very interesting point today about all the wingnuts who stubbornly insist that homosexuality is a choice, which is the underlying admission: if homosexuality is a choice, so is heterosexuality.What fascinates me about…
How is a lesbian determined then?
A first born female is gay.
That’s strange. I’m the oldest brother in my family and I’m bisexual. Does this mean my younger brother will be either gay or bisexual?