Even if we DID choose to be gay (which I don't believe I or any one else did) and there was no genetic or scientific evidence to say that it was not a choice (yet there is), why does it matter?
If you chose it, would it make it any less valid in the eyes of the law? Don't people also CHOOSE to be religious (be it Buddhist, Muslim or Christian)? Don't they CHOOSE their sexual/marriage partners?
I honestly want to know. Why would CHOOSING to be gay be so awful in comparison to being BORN gay?
2007-06-15 06:38:02 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
You have made a very important point. I think the debate as to whether it is a choice has to be about whether SOME people choose: the evidence is strong that many, if not most, gay people knew they were different even before they knew anything much about sex. The most common description is feeling they were born into the wrong body. Still, it is equally true that some people do choose, as they say they made the choice consciously after having tried various relationships, and there's no reason to disbelieve.
In the end, it's a non-issue, except to the extent that people will feel validated if they discover that others have had experiences and feelings similar to their own.
And as to the eyes of the law, there should not only be no difference between choosing and being born that way, but no difference between people of various sexual orientations. It simply is not the business of law and government who goes with you when you go into the bedroom and close the door. As Billy Holiday pointed out a long time ago, "Ain't Nobody's Business If I Do."
2007-06-15 08:01:25 · answer #1 · answered by auntb93 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think to some extent, many people adhere to the "it's NOT a choice" very arently b/c 1. for some folks it's certainly not a choice and 2. they feel it strengthens the demands for equality. By comparing it to race, ethnicity for example-- there is definitely an Equal Protection argument under the Constitution. There is also a certain level of - uncomfortableness with ambiguity- that's at play...
However, we know that gender/sexuality is a social construct -it is NOT in my opinion - the same argument as a racial equality argument.
That does not mean that it is any less valid - as you're pointing out. ULTIMATELY it does not matter whether it's a choice or a trait. For me, I don't even really know and I don't care. I know that I've learned to exercise the choice...ah...choosey/selective part more as I've gotten older! ;) lol
It should not matter upon which basis you decide that EVERYONE is deserving of a certain level of respect/protection/equality. If you're not hurting someone, get however you like it.
2007-06-15 16:31:29 · answer #2 · answered by henna 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it's stupid to even consider that it might be a choice. That is like saying Intelligent Design or creationism are valid scientific theories. All they do is try to poke holes in a well-established theory and then say, ah ha, there's doubt, there's controversy. The entire point of the gay is "a choice" argument is to create controversy around it being something you are born with. Without actually presenting any ideas of their own.
2007-06-15 13:45:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
it does matter.
but instead, i think you have to look at it the other way around. i believe if people Choose to be gay they show greater courage.
if people were just born gay then obviously they would have no choice about it. That's just the way things would be. No effort.
people who choose to be gay are, on the other hand, realise that they need not take the support of their genes to acknowledge their sexuality. They don't need a research in genetics to validate or , i dare say, justify their homosexuality. People who Choose simply don't care about genes or no genes- they only know they are free to do whatever it is they want. they take a stand and stick with it.
2007-06-15 13:56:52 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I agree with you. Even though i know I didn't choose to be gay even if I did what does it matter.
Like if people did actually choose to be straight or gay there is no right or wrong. The only reason why people think straight is better is becuase they can have babies and there are more straight people. in no way does that only makes hetrosexual the right way to go.
2007-06-15 15:57:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Everyone should have the right to chose whether they want to be gay or not. There's nothing wrong with choosing your self-image and who you want to be. Your own sexual origin is part of who you are. People should just accept it, and if they dont like it, then they can just stop throwing their little fits and get over it.
2007-06-15 13:50:30 · answer #6 · answered by theusedluver1 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It's not that choosing would be worse - it's just that all of the fundamentalists and bible thumpers think that it is a choice - a choice to live a sinful lifestyle.
I don't know if people are born gay, or choose it, or if it is a result of their upbringing - or who they associate with.
If they are happy, then more power to them.
2007-06-15 13:42:23 · answer #7 · answered by Joe M 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I believe it does matter.
If being gay is a choice, then we can choose NOT to be gay; but we can't, anymore than a straight person can choose to be straight.
If it's NOT a choice, it's also NOT a 'sin', a 'lifestyle' or a 'perversion', which robs the homophobes of their chief weapons.
2007-06-15 14:40:58 · answer #8 · answered by ? 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I see what you're saying, but it does matter to me. I've put up with a lot of crap because of my sexuality, and I would never have chosen to be gay. I resent it when someone says that it is a choice.
2007-06-15 13:54:12 · answer #9 · answered by Rob 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Excellent point and I agree. Even if it was a choice it would be no less valid than any other sexual orientation.
2007-06-15 14:34:33 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋