Please note that this is only an opinion Poll - though any and all scientific studies and findings that you use to support your opinions are welcome.
Studies have found that the odds of homosexuality increase for later births. So while orientation may not be a choice, that indicates that the mechanism isn't purely genetic.
In their paper, "Homosexuality as a Consequence of Epigenetically Canalized Sexual Development", Rice et al. hypothesize that heritable epigenetic markers play a role leading to homosexuality (Rice et al., 2012). They build off of the prenatal androgen paradigm, which attributes sexual development to fetal testosterone concentrations, and add the ammendment that specific epi-marks affect fetal testosterone sensitivity (Figure 1). Usually, these epi-marks are not heritable. However, occasionally they do get passed down to the next generation. The Rice et al. model predicts that testosterone sensitizing epi-marks originate from the father, while testosterone desensitizing epi-marks originate from the mother. With increased testosterone sensitivity, an XX fetus goes through masculinization (the degree depending on multiple epi-marks and other factors). Similarly, with decreased testosterone sensitivity, an XY fetus goes through feminization to some extent. Depending on the degree of feminization of masculinization, homosexuality can theoretically result (Figure 2). Figure 1. The Sexual Dimorphism Signaling Pathway Figure 2. SA-Epi-Marks and Homosexuality
Since there wasn't an "other" option, and "Sexuality" covers a lot of ground - psychological/behavioral and physiological, I had to vote 'no'. While I think there could be genetic and/or epigenetic components to some parts of a person's sexuality, I'm not persuaded that it is entirely genetic. Science hasn't been able to tell us yet how all the pieces fit together, much less which influences play the greatest role.
That sure looks genetic to me. I forget (now) the scientific terms for changes that happen post conception.... but a genetic change that happens post conception would still be a "genetic" link to the sexuality of the organism. Wouldn't it?
This is a photo of Ricki Martin from my private collection He has handsome, beyond rich, and has women throwing themselves at him but he is just not able or willing to find attraction to them. If being gay was a choice, why would a guy in Ricki's position choose it ?
Yes...at the very least partially...because several studies also have shown that homosexuality tends to run in families. The probability that the brother of a gay man is gay is about four times higher than normal. Similarly, the odds that the sister of a lesbian is also a lesbian is significantly higher than normal. However, male homosexuality and lesbianism tend to run in different families: sisters with gay brothers are not more likely than normal to be lesbian. A 1993 study that traced the pedigree of pairs of gay brothers found that homosexuality tends to run on the maternal side of the family tree: the brothers had a higher than average number of maternal nephews and uncles who are gay. Identical twin studies shed additional light on the genetic underpinnings of sexual preference. If there are differences in preference between identical twins, who share the same genes, then that difference cannot be genetic. Here, the research indicates that in cases where one identical male twin is gay, about half the time the other twin is gay as well. "This is way above 4 percent, so it's got to be genetic, but it is nowhere near 100 percent," The percentages for lesbian twins are slightly lower, but generally comparable. DNA studies have identified the general location of at least one "gay gene." The maternal heritability of male homosexuality narrowed the region where such a gene must reside to the X chromosome, because sons get this chromosome from their mother. Analysis of DNA markers on the X chromosomes of sibling pairs has further narrowed the search to a region called XQ28. It consists of hundreds of genes and is located near the tip of the X chromosome. However, there is some indication that genes located elsewhere may have a similar effect on sexual orientation. Fetal development studies suggest how such a gene might influence such a complex behavior. The development of a fetus into a male is accomplished by the development of the testes, which produce testosterone, which has a wide range of physiological effects. During the perinatal period, a week before and after birth, testosterone has an irreversible organizing effect on the body and brain of males. If the hormone is absent during this period, the individual's anatomy and behavior never can become wholly male. A testosterone surge during puberty activates male sexual development and behavior. Differences between gay and straight sexual orientation appear at a very early age. In a study, a group of openly homosexual men were asked when they first became aware of their attraction to men and boys, when they realized that they were gay and when they "came out" to others. The group reported becoming aware of their attraction at a very young age, between 5 years old and puberty. Self-awareness of their sexual orientation took place around puberty, and coming out of the closet took place much later. Finally, there is some evidence that the brains of homosexuals may be different from those of heterosexual men and women. The differences have been found in the hypothalamus, which controls eating, drinking, temperature regulation and sexual behavior. Studies done in the Netherlands and in Southern California have found such differences in several areas within the hypothalamus. One region, the midsagittal area of the anterior commissure, is larger in females than in males, but also appears to be larger in homosexual males. Another area, the suprachiasmatic nucleus, which controls circadian rhythm, is larger in heterosexual males and females than it is in homosexuals http://news.stanford.edu/pr/95/950310Arc5328.html
Maybe the poll should have been if orientation was a choice, which is a different question. Actually you could have a few options: Genetic Biological but not genetic (i.e. not heritable) Not biological but not a choice (i.e. early developmental stuff) Biological early developmental blend (maybe a few options for this). You also might want to consider how you'd address the issue of being "prison gay" or "furry gay". It is often felt those don't actually represent a change in orientation or indicate that the individual is actually homosexual at all, they are just responding to a lack of females. You may also want to consider if you want to ask about bisexuality. For example is it a spectrum or not. Is it part of the same mechanisms for "pure" homosexuality or something else. etc.
I understand your comments. In my view, our sexuality is primarily genetic. This poll was really just to see whether anyone else believes the same and to discuss some of the reasons why.
For men yes, because a guy would not choose to be gay. Women are probably a mixed bag of genetics and choice. If I was a woman most likely I would choose to be gay or at least "prison gay" as stated above. They are the most attractive out of the two sexes. You don't here men saying other men are handsome, but you do here women saying how beautiful other women are all the time.
I said no, because I believe it is a mix of environmental factors such as hormones. The twin studies point toward this direction since identical twins, being genetically identical, would either be both homosexual or both heterosexual but not one of each. But with environmental factors, it explains why each twin could have different sexual preferences. Other studies have reinforced this conclusion. See here: https://www.boundless.com/psycholog...ion/prenatal-hormones-and-sexual-orientation/
You don't hear men saying that other men are handsome because they don't want to give the mistaken impression that they're gay.
Very true. It occurs to me that there is a cultural bias against femininity in our society, If you are not a testosterone fueled, brass balled, he-man who doesn't show emotions you are somehow less than human. I guess that is why masculine women are more accepted than effeminate men.
Wouldn't the best way to show that you don't care about the subjects be for you to just not participate?
Yes - but you're asking the wrong question. Everything is genetic. Being human to have any human sexuality at all rests on having human DNA. I believe the right questions are * What is the heritability of various sexual traits, and * How resistant to change are these sexual traits? Regarding the specific issue of sexual orientation, heritability is less than 50%. But resistance to change is extremely high in men, though it is more moderate in women.
I wasn't saying I don't care about the topic. I was saying I don't care if sexuality is genetic, a choice, both, or neither. Homosexuals are still entitled to be treated as first class citizens and should be able to wed someone of the same sex, should they want to do so. "Why" they're homosexual does not matter. The whole point of your poll is to imply that it's a choice, and thus, as such, discriminating against them is acceptable. I disagree completely.
Playing devil's advocate here to your excellent point. Anytime a man puts his penis in a woman's vagina, there is some chance of fertilization. A woman get's pregnant, she gains some "ownership" in the dad. (The guy that knocked up bombshell Elizabeth Hurley reportedly said, "that (*)(*)(*)(*)(*) is ruining my life!!!" Men courting women has costs. On the other hand, I corresponded with a bisexual male. He concedes he is more attracted to females, but likes the way males treat him much better. In the male/female relations, the female is a "genetic celebrity." Sure, RM is a genuine celebrity, but at best, when dealing with women, he may find it is his celebrity vs. hers. With a man, it would all be about him. He may find women attractive, but not attractive enough to give up that special treatment.
if pregnancy is his fear, he would get a vasectomy. and as for diseases, STDs are more common in the gay community than straight so Ricki would be doing himself no favors by choosing to be gay
the human body is genetic, but the spirit\soul is not IE a feminine spirit can enter a masculine body and visa versa heck, sometimes the body is both, so makes sense that sometimes the spirit can be both . .
I am inclined to agree. Reference to femininity or womanliness is commonly used as an insult among straight men with each other and directed toward gay men. This seems to indicate that much of it is rooted in misogyny. While some degree of masculinity may be more accepted in women, I don't think that's true in the extremity.
Obviously there is some genetic component, that's in the statistics. It's not as simple as a gay gene, there's more to it, but genes have some influence.
Are you serious? I registered my vote (which is public) saying that it's genetic and is NOT a choice. (face desk)
