Is being queer a result of biology? Or a matter of choice?

Question

This is an important question. If the former, then homosexuality may be regarded as a disease which, with proper treatment, may be curable. (At one point, researchers believed they had actually found the tiny portion of the brain that made people queer. It was an important first step and research is ongoing.) Once a cure is discovered, people who choose to be queer would be no different those who choose not to treat other mental disorders.

On the other hand, if being queer is simply a lifestyle choice, then it's not entitled to any legal protections. Just as you can refuse to insure, hire or rent to someone who drinks, smokes of uses illegal drugs, so you could refuse based on the individual's choice to be queer.

So which is it? Freak of nature? Or a personal choice?

Those of you who liken the choice to be queer to a "religious" choice, then claim constitutional protections: Guess what? There's no amendment protecting queerness. However, choices, like drinking, smoking and using illegal drugs are simply lifestyle choices - and are both regulated and unprotected from discrimination. For example, some businesses simply refuse to hire smokers.

Answer 1

I believe it is an illness that should be treated as such.

Answer 2

You obviously already have a pretty set opinion that regardless of the "cause" that homosexuality is wrong, so attempting to explain anything to you may very well be a pointless endeavor.

I'm not a homosexual, but I also accept that what others do with their lives is their choice, and I would not attempt to affect their beliefs as long as it doesn't hurt anyone else.

It's virtually impossible to pinpoint any biological or physiological aspect of the human body that causes attraction or repulsion in sexuality, and for every theory that has ever been developed around it, there has been equal evidence to disprove the theory. It's no different than trying to figure out what makes some people like blonds, long legs, balding men, or midgets. People are simply attracted to what they're atracted to, with no biological or physiological stigma being consistent in any of the equations.

That leaves you with the psychological and behavioral conditioning aspects, and these instantly come under scrutiny and skepticism because of alarming conditions and considerations. The very same principles of sexual attraction in homosexuals can be found in heterosexuals, pedophiles, and zoophiles. There is no difference in the psychology and behavior that would suggest that biochemistry has any effect on the attraction, and thus one can not draw parameters as to sexual attraction being a "condition" or "illness". Again, people are simply attracted to what they're attracted to.

Ultimately, it all comes down to societal acceptability and social morality. There is a stronger belief in society now that homosexual relations between "consenting adults" is acceptable then there ever has been, while society maintains that both pedophilia and zoophilia (as well as necrophilia and so on) are not acceptable (which I happen to agree with). This establishment raises concerns that if it is considered "socially acceptable" to expect pedophiles and zoophiles to "control how they act upon their attraction and urges", then why is not acceptable to expect the same of homosexuals, as much as Catholics are "expected" to control their heterosexual sexual urges and only fornicate to conceive children. The only operative premise that has been established in support of homosexuality is the same of heterosexuality, in which it is argued that it is "relations between consenting adults", and thus socially acceptable. That argument is further supported by the precept that neither a child, an animal, nor a corpse can "give legal consent", and therefore pedophilia, zoophilia, and necrophilia remain socially unacceptable.

Answer 3

Neither, its as much of a freak of nature as being left-handed. That tiny portion of the brain is called the hypothalamus and it is very important in your everyday function in life, altering the neurohormones inside is both probably impossible and detrimental for the patient to try to have the surgery done, if such a surgery existed in the first place (brain damage). It is currently believed by psychologists, through 50+ years of study and research, to be the result of factors both of nature and nurture, though new research suggests ones sexual orientation may be determined before birth. It is not a disease, nor is it a choice, nor is there a "cure", nor is it mental disorder for it does not create cognitive, emotional, behavioral and/or interpersonal impairments. It's as much a choice as being straight. You can choose who you have sex with, but not who you fall in love with. Also the homosexual "lifestyle" as some put it does not have sex as the all-compassing factor in their lives. The homosexual "lifestyle" is pretty much the same as the heterosexual "lifestyle".
Homosexuality is not a freak of nature, not abnormal (at least by psychological standards), just different.

different=/=bad

Oh BTW this is coming from a straight guy who used to be a homophobic asshole, and from my own experience I believe that homophobia can fit into the category of a mental disorder.

Answer 4

If I simply choose the lifestyle, then why would I not be entitled to any legal protections? Because I choose to live with an abusive husband, then I shouldn't have protection? I I choose to give up runaway with my baby because I believe my boyfriend is sexually abusing her, then I shouldn't have any legal protections? All the above, and more, are choices that were made. Does that mean because I made them, I don't have the legal protection? Your wrong. If someone chooses to become someone else, they should be entitled to whatever legal protection. It's something I believe we are born with, more than others. I am not gay, but, I do have an open mind. Queer is not a word someone would use if they were open to the gay lifestyle.

Answer 5

Ah, but if it's a Disease then I'm entitled to Social Security Medical Benefits just like any other incurable disease.

If it's a choice, it would be no different from Religion so if you refuse to rent to me I'll soon own your building because of the LAWSUIT I bring against you for discrimination....

Good Job. Choose how you want to pay me, through taxes or personally with a check.

Answer 6

Both. I think it is a mindset your born with, but I think that nurturing is a part of it too. Take a look at Tchaikovsky. He was a homosexual. He was nurtured to believe that being gay was a bad thing, so he got married. He also divorced her. After his last performance, he commited suicide because of his lover. If he had been nurtured into an accepting family, do you honestly think that he would have done what he did? I think not. Some people are encouraged, and are generally happier and more open about it. Others are discouraged, and end up very unhappy.
In my opinion, don't fix what ain't broke.

Answer 7

did you know that there are gay dogs and gay whales????

maybe not. cool.

Homosexuality is actually quite frequent in anture, so I guess that is can't be a freak of nature.

I'm, not sure if one is born gay, or if one becomes gay. but I know it is not a matter of choice.

Is it a choice to be strait??, would you ever think of haveing sex with someone of the same gender.

I would only conceive iof it for aq moment, but it does disgust me.

Have tyou ever talked to a gay man.

He thinks the idea of having sex with a woman is disgusting. Is he wrong, maybe you are?. Or are you both right?. lol.

did you know that both Richard the Lion Heart and Alexander the Great were gay men. Dick was I believe just gay. Alex was actually strait, but most solgiers in that day were also gay and fct each other to show their independance from women while at war.

I think that it is in our rights to so what the hell we gfeel like with out sexuality.

some people like orgies, others like missionary. Some are gay, some strait, some bi.

I don't care. Have fun, I'm happy that you are.

I like girls tho, what can I say, that is what I feel, that is what arouses me. Maybe I'm a disgusting freak of nature for liking girls, but I don't think so.

Answer 8

Every major mental and medical health organization has already affirmed that homosexuality is not a mental disorder and therefore cannot be "cured."

There is simply no inherent dysfunction in being gay or lesbian. It is a natural variation of the human sexual response. Indeed, same-sex pairings have been documented in over 1,500 species, and our closest relatives among the apes (bonobos, Pan paniscus) frequently engage in both homosexual and heterosexual behavior as a way of resolving conflict and cementing social bonds.

They are not freaks of nature, and neither are we.

If we have a harder time in life, it's because of people like you, who insist that we're "sick," "sinful," or otherwise inferior and worthless. You try hearing stuff like that every day, having your relationships compared to pedophilia and bestiality, and watch how much more challenging the mere act of visibility can become.

The very fact that we are still here, and that we can be open about our sexuality, is a testament to our courage and resilience.

Why must everyone be the same as you in order to be acceptable to you? That sounds pretty pathological to me.

Answer 9

It is not a choice, It is not a freak of nature, it just is a natural state for the human condition.
Don't you think that any gay person at some point in their lives would have given anything to be straight. Why do you suppose the rate of suicide among young gay people is so high? A lot of the logic that you present is the reason that this is so.
Furthermore we are gay, we accept that , we don't want your pity or your prayers...and we don't want to be cured!!!!!!!!

Answer 10

Religion is a lifestyle choice but businesses still cannot discriminate based on religion. I think it is both biology and personal choice.

Answer 11

Biology

It's all about the wiring and the chromosomes. I think it is possible to find a cure in the future. However, people do chose to be queer for personal reasons, but then they would be resisting their natural urge to be heterosexual. Same goes to those who are bi. They might have choosen to be that way.