Gay... natural?

Question

I think there has always been an ongoing debate about whether or not homosexulity is nature-bred or just something we humans decided to come up with.

Apprently, or so I've read, there are actually roughly 476 species of animals that have been studied, and has shown homosexual activities.

Moreover, there is this 'theory' I've read, that if you have a cagefull of birds, each gender of equal amount, naturally u'd have the males chasing the females. However, when u seperate the two genders and leave em for a while, the females would remain passive however the males would start chasing each other!

Just wondering, wat are ur thoughts, or any related theories u'd like to share @_@

Wow O_o thanks for all the replies. I'm glad that this 'question' provoked some very interesting reactions, and even additional information ^^

There was this sex talk going on in my school, on a more spiritual, Bible-based context. And apparently, sex is right in the eyes of God, only if it is:

- a union between a man, AND a women, who are married.

But like it's been said, we can't always let the Bible govern every aspect of our life. I think just like animals (can't get any more 'natural' than that), humans are just following their inborn instincts.

Just an additional point, Homosexuality is NOT a modern issue. Think the Greeks. Think Alexander... Plato?

Well, about the bird thing, I guess lesbian pairings could happen between the femalas. But I think males tend to be more inclined towards finding a partner, any partner, probably to achieve any kind of sexual gratification. I guess guys are just hornier ^^, maybe cause they're 'designed' to possess a higher sexual drive, than women. that's just nature's way of keeping the world populated... (just a thought, no offence meant!)

Answer 1

There have been more than 476 species studied overall, however, the seminal studies each concentrate on only a few hundred. My favored work in the field is Dr. Bruce Bagemihl "Biological Exuberance" from St. Martin's Press.

The second part of your statement however is what I call "phantom research" because it is not reflected in actual research findings. Exclusive homosexual pairing exists among many species that do not have a preponderance of one sex. It would be convenient for anti-homosexual persons to simply declare that a lack of opposite sex partners is the cause of some animals becoming homosexual -- but research clearly indicates that in hundreds of species studied, there is exclusive homsexual behavior, and even pair bonding in some species -- regardless of the availability of opposite sex partner.

The animals are simply homosexual in some species, just as they are in humanity.

Regards,

Reynolds Jones
http://www.rebuff.org
[e-mail]

Answer 2

The presence of same-sex sexual behavior in animals was not scientifically observed on a large scale until recent times, possibly due to observer bias caused by social attitudes to same-sex sexual behavior. It appears to be widespread among insects, birds and mammals, particularly the apes. Many male penguins that apparently mate for life have been observed in homosexual pairs and refuse to pair with females when given the chance.

Current understanding is that many species believed monogamous have now been proven to be promiscuous or opportunistic in nature. Many species or animals try to give and get sexual stimulation with others where procreation is not the aim, and homosexual behavior has now been documented in over 450 species.

Answer 3

You cant let the Bible regulate whatever you do with your life. Homosexuality has been around long before jesus was even born. Why let something that precedes nature determine the who you like and how you like them?
History will also tell you Christianity was formed with male chauvanists (sp?) in mind. Males MUST be with females. They were just horny. Many straight guys are taught to be homophobic these days. Live in a neutral environment and you will accept humans for who they are, not by standards taught.

Answer 4

Its natural to me. I fought my feelings for a long time. I just honestly wasn't sure why I couldnt like being with a man, I really thought something was wrong. Then when I started being with women, I realized nothing wrong with me, I am just a lesbian. I didn't choose to be this way, not sure why ppl think that it is a choice because for me, why would I choose to be something that has alienated me from my family and most of my friends. Im not saying I would want to be straight, I just know, I didn't make the choice to be a lesbian, I chose to act upon my natural born feelings.

Answer 5

Well, I can't argue with the first part; as for the second, there is female homosexuality at least in swans, but I don't know about any general bird studies. The swan story is kind of neat though.

Answer 6

I guess the birds in separate cages thing could kind of shed some light on the prevalence of gay sex in prisons. Other than that, sure, most of us know that gay is a natural way of being, even if it's the minority of us who are gay.

Answer 7

I think that you're correct and all that your birds in cages suggests is that animals are sexual....People will do almost anything for friction....even homosexuality can rear it's ugly head when that appears to be against their nature....but some of us..myself included, lean heavily toward the gay side naturally...so please don't lock me up with a bunch of women and wait for me to mate with them...It might happen in time...but what a waste of time for them and for me.

Answer 8

read the bible sweetie,god burned a town to the ground for homosexual activities.it is not natural,it's a cop out for being odd,they have to classify it as "natural' so they feel better!

Answer 9

i wanted to say something to the one who says read the bible, i am a christian and i love the Lord with everything in me, and i hate to see when fellow christians like yourself come and beat up on people that are different..when we all need love and support in this world. if you ever wanted to save a homosexual person you'd have a hard time because you can't just throw the book at them, and who comes at you about your sins like that? who throws the book at you and says read the bible! love them and pray for them, because while we were yet sinners Jesus Christ died for us. you make room for them in your heart and show love to them.

Answer 10

I have heard the same theory and thank you for posting this. It removes peoples excuses for being ignorant. Good job. :)