Do you think homosexuality is genetic?

Poll

Is Homosexuality Genetic?

What do you think?

I'm no expert in science/sexuality so I can't really say anything with confidence. However, if men and women are biologically attracted to the opposite sex (to reproduce), doesn't it seem that genes would play a role in homosexuality?

(and for the record, I am not at all against homosexuality.)

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Reply 1

The Angry Stoic

Yes. People are only gay because their parents are gay. That's how homosexuality has lasted throughout history.

Reply 2

Ham22

There's a link between birth order and homosexuality in men. Something about hormones in the womb. That's all I know.

I don't think so

I personally don't think it's much to do with genetics. I think it is something that is sourced by influence.

(edited 10 years ago)

Reply 5

Albino

yeah gay parents genetically pass it on to their children

Reply 6

That Bearded Man

As AngryStoic has implied - it's kind of contradictory to say homosexuality is genetic. Do gay people have more gay relatives on average?

Reply 7

Olenna Tyrell

Original post by Luke070

I personally don't think it's much to do with genetics. I think it is something that is sourced by influenced.

So how is it that two brothers can grow up in the same family, with the same influence and so on but one be gay and the other straight?

Reply 8

Olenna Tyrell

Original post by The Angry Stoic

Yes. People are only gay because their parents are gay. That's how homosexuality has lasted throughout history.

You mean a recessive gene?

Reply 9

shadowdweller

Volunteer Section Leader

I'm of the opinion that it's a combination of genes and environmental factors

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Reply 10

Luke070

Original post by Olenna Tyrell

So how is it that two brothers can grow up in the same family, with the same influence and so on but one be gay and the other straight?

Perhaps he was influenced elsewhere (friends for example) - that's just my opinion.

Reply 11

PerArduaAdAstra

Yes, I think it probably is a genetic trait, same way as people who are straight are wired to fancy the opposite sex. Although I think there are probably environmental/nurture elements to it too that determine "how" gay or straight you are.

Reply 12

shadowdweller

Volunteer Section Leader

Original post by Luke070

Perhaps they were influenced elsewhere (friends for example) - that's just my opinion.

Out of interest, what factors do you think influence people to be gay?

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Reply 13

Jam'

I think it's evolutionarily advantageous for people to be attracted to members of their own sex.
Attractive guys tend to group together - and although it doesn't mean they're gay - they tend to appeal more strongly as a unit to girls than they would as individuals. The same is true for girls.

I think it is genetic (to some degree). Guys who could recognise other attractive guys are probably more likely to be successful with girls due to this group theory thing.

Maybe being gay is just a significant extension of this.

Reply 14

The Happy Stoic

I don't think it's genetic, I think more to do with the environment the child grows up in.

Reply 15

The Angry Stoic

Original post by Olenna Tyrell

You mean a recessive gene?

Don't pick holes :colondollar:

Reply 16

Dust94

To the people who are saying 'gay parents pass on homosexuality' or something like that. In a strictly biological sense, don't be ridiculous.

Reply 17

Harrie Lyons

Original post by shadowdweller

I'm of the opinion that it's a combination of genes and environmental factors

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May I ask where is your evidence for that opinion

Reply 18

0x2a

I'm definitely not an expert, but it is often the case that certain genes have to be "switched on" and this happens if a gene is in a presence of another gene or because of certain environmental factors. Someone mentioned something to do with birth order, and I've heard the same thing from somewhere :tongue: