homosexuality - hard-wired, not chosen

[heavycola]

Some interesting research from Sweden has found 'striking similarities' between the brains of gay men and straight women, and conversely between the brains of lesbian women and straight men.

So there you have it. It's not a choice, it's hard-wired in the womb. Unfortunate for the 10 % of humans whom god has decided to test by asking them to reject one of the most basic impulses.

[joecoolfrog]

Its the sperm of Satan methinks !

[Freetymes]

Well it is interesting but I am not sure you can draw conclusions from a sample group of only 90 "Volunteers" in one study and a "Smaller" number in a second study. Also I find it odd that they are comparing homosexuality and heterosexuality in an attempt to understand mental illness. Combine this with where this "Research" is being done and it may be interesting but it is little more than anecdotal evidence and certainly not enough for a conclusion.
Plus Joe is likely right it is just satin causing trouble again anyway...
Sorry for all of the quotation marks but I watched Austin Powers last night and I think it caused temporary homosexuality or perhaps it is just some minor swelling of the left lobe?!?

[jonesthecurl]

Homosexuality may to some extent be "hardwired", but not exclusively.

People who go to single-sex schools, especially boarding schools, when their sexuality awakes, are more likely to be homosexual than those educated in mixed schools and living at home.

People in prison are more likely to discover that those of the same gender will do for the moment, even if basically hetero.

[jay_a2j]

Some interesting research from Sweden has found 'striking similarities' between the brains of gay men and straight women, and conversely between the brains of lesbian women and straight men.

So there you have it. It's not a choice, it's hard-wired in the womb. Unfortunate for the 10 % of humans whom god has decided to test by asking them to reject one of the most basic impulses.

The brain/homosexual link is old news. Its bollocks I say . You are not "born gay". However I do believe that certain circumstances can help "push" one in that direction. Relationship with parents, first sexual experience (with or without consent) etc. probably play a big role in sexual orientation development. IMO.

[bspride]

Some interesting research from Sweden has found 'striking similarities' between the brains of gay men and straight women, and conversely between the brains of lesbian women and straight men.

So there you have it. It's not a choice, it's hard-wired in the womb. Unfortunate for the 10 % of humans whom god has decided to test by asking them to reject one of the most basic impulses.

coughBullShitcough

[btownmeggy]

I am confused about my sexuality. If I just get my brain scanned, I'll figure it all out?

Will insurance cover it?

[Neoteny]

I am confused about my sexuality. If I just get my brain scanned, I'll figure it all out?

Will insurance cover it?

On average.

Does the pope shit in the woods?

[btownmeggy]

Does the pope shit in the woods?

...Yes?

I mean, no!

I mean... I bet he's experimented with shitting in the woods at some point in his life. Who hasn't?

[Neoteny]

Does the pope shit in the woods?

...Yes?

I mean, no!

I mean... I bet he's experimented with shitting in the woods at some point in his life. Who hasn't?

These are the important questions that need to be answered in my local church.

[got tonkaed]

I would imagine if we spent more time treating people like people and not getting all riled up about how they choose to shape their sex lives, it would be less and less of an issue about how we come to be what we are. An interesting thing to know certainly, but not to the degree that it gets made out to be, because of the political games being played around the issue.

[tzor]

Interesting argument. I disagree with the conclusion. I think there may be evidence that a variety of factors that have a significant impact on the development of sexual orientation also have a significant impact on the development of areas of the brain, but that is a far cry from saying that homosexuality is "hard wired."

[mandyb]

I think it's very likely that people are born with a natural predisposition towards certain behaviours. Even character traits can be genetic.

Just look at some of the studies done on twins, even identical ones. They are born into the same enviroment, have the same upbringing and similar experiences, yet their characters can be like 'chalk and cheese'.

Of course outside influences can affect a persons personality, but it's very probable that we are born with tendencies outside our control, be it aggressive, bright, inquisitive, lazy, shy or gay.

As our genes determine hair and eye colour, so they may determine who we are as people.

[Napoleon Ier]

Yes, I suppose there's plenty of research which will indicate that incest, paedophilia, mechanophilia, bestiality and necrophilia are all genetic...in which case, surely we must all accept equal rights for paedophiles, allow incestuous marriages and put an end to anti-bestial Christian hate-speech, eh?

[sam_levi_11]

comparing incest and peadophiliia to homos*xuality is a bit extreme considering they are nothing like each other

[The1exile]

coughBullShitcough

The idiots corner is elsewhere. this konversation is strictly intelleegent.

[Dancing Mustard]

Well this one can't fail to be fun...

[Anarkistsdream]

Unless you are gay or actually lived with a gay person for a length of time, I'd wisely suggest you just shut the f*ck up...

This goes out to all of you. Fucking homophobic bitches.

[tzor]

Yes, I suppose there's plenty of research which will indicate that incest, paedophilia, mechanophilia, bestiality and necrophilia are all genetic...in which case, surely we must all accept equal rights for paedophiles, allow incestuous marriages and put an end to anti-bestial Christian hate-speech, eh?

First of all Nappy, no one is saying "genetic," hormonal levels in the womb could also play an important factor. And second just because one might suggest that "homosexual" tendencies might be so factored in doesn't in and of itself mean a thing. Let's assume that paedophilia tendencies might also be influenced by conditions that were found at birth and that it might be possible to detect those with such tendencies that might be a good thing.

The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition.

[Anarkistsdream]

While you homophobes are at it, why don't you just start burning crosses again like your grandfathers did and lock the Japanese back up in 'interments'?

I'm sick of people spewing their idiocy. Just because you people are gay doesn't mean it's a disorder.

Yeah, because you're black you must be on welfare and smoke pot. After all, you were raised that way, right?

Just because you were raised in the country means you must be a redneck, right? After all, you were raised that way.

Just because you grew up in America must mean that you have patriotism, right? After all, you were raised that way.

[heavycola]

comparing incest and peadophiliia to homos*xuality is a bit extreme considering they are nothing like each other

Nappy does it all the time.

Interesting argument. I disagree with the conclusion. I think there may be evidence that a variety of factors that have a significant impact on the development of sexual orientation also have a significant impact on the development of areas of the brain, but that is a far cry from saying that homosexuality is "hard wired."

It's actually not important, well to me anyway, one way or the other. I read the article and was reminded of some thread from a while back where a few folk were arguing that homosexuality is a choice. If that is important in how you view the issue - and again i don't see why it should be, but then IK plays host to some surprising points of view - then evidence that it isn't a 'lifestyle choice' does become important.
There was, if i remember correctly, a religious angle (surprise surprise) - homosexuality is a sin, so if it's a question of choice then gay people can easily and conveniently be labelled weak, sinning deviants rather than people with as little choice in the matter of their sexual orientation as someone with blue irises has about their eye colour.
Then of course there is nappy with his usual poisonous homophobia and spurious alluded-to comparisons between homosexuals and child molesters, but i think he'll probably be on ignore by the time you read this post.

EDIT: Nicely quoted catechism tzor, i hadn't read that before. If we're talking about stereotypes here, well that just kicked one of mine in the guts

[suggs]

Cool thread Cola.
But i just wanted to post so that someone could see I've become a captain before the inevitable Decline of Suggs back to my more appropriate position of Cook/Total Cock.

[Juan_Bottom]

Do we have any homosexuals on Conquer*Club who are comfortable speaking their peace? Seems that it would be an invaluable perspective.
Though, I don't see what the big deal is anyway. Who cares if it's genetic or freewill? You should have the right to both, if your not hurting anyone.

[Napoleon Ier]

comparing incest and peadophiliia to homos*xuality is a bit extreme considering they are nothing like each other

Nappy does it all the time.

Explain, then, how is it that homosexual, incestual and paedophilic impulses are inherently and fundamentally different?

[Anarkistsdream]

comparing incest and peadophiliia to homos*xuality is a bit extreme considering they are nothing like each other

Nappy does it all the time.

Explain, then, how homosexual and paedophilic impulsesare inherently and fundamentally different?

Saying homosexuality is an impulse is your first mistake.

Do you consider heterosexuality an impulse?