sexuality?

[sad old git]

Hi. A " discussion"started between two friends of mine about homosexuality.One said that the gene is in there when you are born and comes out in later years. My other friend who is a retired psychiartry ( spelling) nurse argues that it is all in the mind and as was said earlier not in the genes. I tend to agree with my friend about it being your genes but would appreciate any answers

[jake-the-peg]

I'd love to know how people like sqad who think homosexuality is environmental or nurtured explain the behaviour in animals.

Perhaps they just ignore that evidence or maybe black swans just bring up their chicks in an "artistic" environment

[scoob101]

wow, you lot need to get a life, gay, bi or straight........................ who cares live and let live, enjoy your life which ever way you think is right for you personally.

[beso]

When I posted about later sons being less masculine I was not referring to their behaviour but their physical features. They are generally hairier and more robust than later sons.

Squad is incorrect about there being no evidence of genetic influences. No gene connected to homosexuality has been identified but twin studies and the Italian study I mentioned indicate a genetic component is present.

Such studies cop a lot of criticism from religious bigots because it conflicts with their doctrine that these people are simply choosing to be "sinners" and can be "cured".

[sad old git]

Wow!!! I didn't think my question would create such a large response.However the question is it in the genes or in the mind still hangs in the balance so my two friends will have to come to an ammicable agreement of agree to disagree and still play . darts in our local pub.I thank all of you Abers have posted an answer and wish you all the best.By the way who is johnny depp??

[society]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_Depp

[Sqad]

Jake/beso
Just to clarify a few surmised misconceptions about my opinions on this subject.
I am an atheist so I have no axe to grind on the theological score.
I do not know the answer to whether or not homosexuality is is genetic or nurtured although it is my opinion that it is the latter.

Beso.....allow me to scrutinise the scientific evidence that you say supports a genetic predisposition for homosexuality....scientific studies please from reputable sources.

Jake.."I really believe the reason most humans are straight is the same reason that most crocodiles are straight, and the same reason most whales are straight," Bocklandt said. "Nature would not leave something so important for reproduction, for the survival of the species, to coincidence..........but I might be wrong.

[Sqad]

I have a scientific background and because of this I analyse the available evidence and research and come to a conclusion. Like all scientists, sometimes I am right right and sometimes wrong.

[beso]

http://www.newscienti...perheterosexuals.html

[Sqad]

beso...thank you.

////The researchers asked 239 men to fill out questionnaires about their families and their past sexual experiences.// 239 is a very small series and asking people about their sexuality is fraught with discrepancies

///.The results showed that the maternal aunts, grandmothers and mothers of both bisexual men and homosexuals had more children than those of heterosexual men.///

Homo sexual or bisexual maternal ancestry in 239 men interviewed showed that they had more children than heterosexual men..................so what? That could be due to many factors....heterosexual men may not even have been married......the study doesn't mention that.

To be scientifically proven, the results need to be replicated by other researchers.

Thanks for the link.

[ummmm]

I think it's in the genes because we have quite a few in our family. Although I do have a very large family.....

My Dads sister married and had 3 kids.

Child one - straight and had two kids of his own
Child two - gay (male)
Child three - gay (female)

Child ones daughter - gay

And there's more.....but who cares. The gay ones are the best fun :-)