Why are we (gay community) so invested in it being genetic?

Question

Does anyone really think the bigots care whether it is genetic or not?

Do we think if they find out it isn't a choice they'll grant us full civil rights the next day and offer apologies?

They know people of color don't choose their race...and yet they still hate them...why would we be any different?

Note: I'm not saying I think sexual orientation is genetic or is choice...I'm just curious why it is so important to people.

Answer 1

HALLELUJAH!

This is something I've been thinking for a long time, and I'm glad someone else thinks it too. I completely understand people who feel that their sexual orientation is something they were born with, and I even understand the instantaneous impulse, when someone says "It's a choice." to want to go "Nuh-uh. I was born that way!", but in reality, it's not really the way we want to go.

I read a great book of FtM transsexuals ("Just Add Hormones" by Matt Kailey), and although the author wasn't addressing homosexuality specifically, I found that it made sense across the board: to paraphrase, he said that it really is the worst possible thing to use the genetic aspect. I mean, think about it, what you're saying is "I'm sorry that I'm this awful, dirty, shameful thing, and if I had my choice, I would never, ever be like this, but you see, it wasn't my choice, I was born this way. So you should accept me and this awful thing about me, because I can't not be like this, you see.". That's the subcounscious message that is being sent out, I think; unintentionally, it sounds like an excuse, instead of getting to the root of the matter. When someone asks "Is it a choice or are you born that way?", the answer should unanimously be "Why does it matter?". Unless the person is asking for scientific reasons, the answer is that all sexual orientations are valid and real and normal and worthy; you have to question the intent of the questioner in asking.

Anyhow, you're completely right. The true bigots aren't going to care either way, as you brilliantly show with your example about racists. I think we can spend less time debating the origins of homosexuality, and more on proving that sexual orientation is not something that needs to be justified.

Answer 2

>>Does anyone really think the bigots care whether it is genetic or not? <<

No.

>>Do we think if they find out it isn't a choice they'll grant us full civil rights the next day and offer apologies? <<

Absolutely not because then they have to admit that they were wrong, and bigots are never wrong. LOL

>>They know people of color don't choose their race...and yet they still hate them...why would we be any different? <<

For me, it is because we are different and the fear that this difference generates.

>>Note: I'm not saying I think sexual orientation is genetic or is choice...I'm just curious why it is so important to people. <<

I know.

Answer 3

A genetic or in utero basis for sexuality would give a further argument for granting civil rights protections. A government would be hard-pressed to deny rights to a group that has proven itself to have a genetic basis, like race.

However, genetic or choice doesn't really matter in terms of civil rights. Religion is a chosen behavior and yet it is protected.

And if a genetic basis is found, the religious Reicht would simply respond with something like "But you don't HAVE to act on it." in order to keep their peculiar brand of bigotry alive.

Hatred or dislike of someone different than you are will always be around. It always has been.

Answer 4

Part of it has to do with shaking off the stigma from many years ago where it was seen as a psychological disorder, the other part seems to come into play when talking about religion and the ability to turn to the bigots and prove to them "God" did make me this way....
Finding a biological basis will not necessarily bring answers, honestly it will bring it's own new problems such as the ethics of being able to detect future sexuality in the womb and possibly abort the child or medical "cures"(even possibly forced "cures" in nations that do not respect human rights to the degree that the US supposedly does).

Answer 5

It's funny you bring this up actually.

Handedness has been a widely accepted THEORY that is has a genetic link, but sexuality isn't.
Neither has ever been proven nor disproven.
But you don't see people beating up or murdering someone because they're left handed.

I personally don't care one way or the other, I just know who I am and who I love. I also know what I'm denied legally and what protections my family is denied because of what gender my life partner is. Sounds like pure fear of the unknown to me.
Discrimination based on gender and sexuality that has become legally acceptable.
To me it's as disgustingly inhumane as discrimination based on race, religion or handedness. It's absolutely rediculous and hateful!

Answer 6

homophobic people are all the same, they have to tell us how bad homosexually is wrong but, WE no its not, we are human just like them...... we have jobs, life's just like they do and if Aim not mistaking we are from earth, also the only thing is we love the same sex,
TO THE IDIOT BIOTIC PEOPLE:
WE HOMOSEXUALS ARE BORN GAY!
they wonder what they don't know, and what they fear, hints (homophobia)

Answer 7

I think it is normal to be wondered why someone is gay. Havent you ever wondered why straight people are born straight, but not as gays?

Answer 8

Because in this day and age people hunger for knowledge!