Are people born homosexual or is it pavlovian?

Question

Listening to arguments on both sides, just wondering where the problem would lie with either answer. Are people saying they are born guy as a justification? Are people saying that it is a learned trait, so that they can shame homosexuals for their behavior? Do pavlovian traits cause brain activity adjustments? Would there be a problem for the morale right if it were proven that it was trait people were born with? Would it be a problem for the gay community if it were proven to be pavlovian?

For all the people who wrote the typical response (we're born this way, get over it), try not to be so defensive. I understand it is a point of contention, which is why I asked it. There are more factors involved in sexuality than genetics. Hormonal influxes in the womb during gestation, the bodies own hormone production, and yes even life experience WILL tailor the bodies response to sex of any kind, either hetero or homosexual. I am not saying towards or against, but whether tendencies are ingrained is STILL up for debate. There are studies that will prove anything, that is why research and understanding is always evolving. With few exception there is no scientific law in biology. My question was meant to illicit discussion. The rote responses do nothing to help the understanding of what make people function, unless your only goal is to end discussion. In no way did I want to imply that homosexuality was a deviation of normalcy. I apologize if the question evoked that sentiment.

Answer 1

People do not choose to be either gay or straight.

As people, we are all sexual beings. By extension, each of us has a sexual orientation: an enduring attraction — be it sexual, romantic, emotional or affectional — to another person. Sexual orientation, however, varies from one individual to the next and exists on a continuum that ranges from exclusive homosexuality to exclusive heterosexuality. Between these two poles, there exist various forms of bisexuality.

It?s unclear why some people are attracted to people of the same sex — also referred to as having "same-sex feelings" or a "same-sex orientation". It's thought sexual orientation is likely the result of complex interactions of a number of factors — cognitive, environmental, and biological.

Sexual orientation is different from sexual behavior: sexual orientation refers to feelings and to self-concept. People may — or may not — express their sexual orientation in their behaviors.

So, these interactions of cognitive, environmental, and biological factors mean that sexual orientation is shaped at an early age?
In most people, yes, and their sexual orientation emerges in early adolescence. What's more, there's also considerable evidence to suggest that genetic and hormonal factors play a key role in shaping a person's sexuality.

People do not choose to be either gay or straight.

The bottom line
The origins of sexual orientation are very complex. There are likely many reasons for a person's sexual orientation. These reasons may be different for different people. Some people who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual say they have always felt attracted to members of the same sex while others claim they became aware of these feelings during adolescence or early adulthood

Answer 2

Pavlovian? Like Pavlov's bell?
OK that would be a serious flawed argument, the Pavlovian concept is learned behavior. LEARNED. When the bell rings the dog salivates because he is fed when the bell rings.
How on earth could homosexuality exist when society is so geared towards heterosexuality and fearful of homosexuality. when any time someone acts in a homosexual manner the OPPOSITE kind of motivation is given where we are punished for these actions.
Most people are also aware of their sexual orientation before sexual gratification so that rules out that as a positive stimulant.
Seriously, the argument of homosexuality as learned behavior seems ridiculous to me because most people understand their sexuality outside of any homosexual influences.

Answer 3

The logical extension of homosexuality being learned in a Pavlovian manner is that heterosexuality is also acquired not innate, I mean considering that we're 98% identical to bonobo chimps which are universally bisexual. I suppose that everyone would have to deal with the fact that the vast majority of people are reprogramed bisexuals.

Answer 4

My parents have been married for 52 years. I have 2 older sisters who are straight.

Still, I was born gay. It's not a learned behavior. It's not a sickness that I caught. There's nothing wrong with being gay.

When did you choose to be straight?

Answer 5

i believe that its both.

i believe that some ppl are born with either too much or little testosterone or estrogen and you can see the effects. i beileve that some ppl are born with an unexplainable tendency toward one sex or the other and other times it is learned.

I also believe that some ppl choose to be homosexual.

I have personally known ppl to just decide to "switch sides" for one reason or another.

As to your debate against the "moral right" i believe that the view homosexuality - lets say in the same way as alcoholism. Clearly some ppl choose to go down a path that leads to alcoholism. Then again, some others are affected by family environment at a young age. And for others its hereditary. Regardless of how you got to be an alcoholic, its still wrong and one should seek counseling or at least abstain from the behaviour as much as possible.

I believe that is a very close analogy for the religious view on homosexuality.

Answer 6

GAY AND LESBIAN ORIENTATION 101

1. You DO NOT BECOME gay or lesbian (pavlovian or otherwise).
2. You DO NOT CHOOSE to become gay or lesbian.
3. You CANNOT BE RECRUITED or TRICKED into becoming gay or lesbian (ooooo that pavlovian trickery but he knew his dogs didnt he?).


The ONLY CHOICES you have are:

1. Exist IN THE CLOSET.
2. Live OPENLY.

Thats it.
Class over.
Go home.



*edit*
wow ashlee... you been listining at the door when your mom and dad were discussing homosexual activity or did you come up with that on your own? honey, you are soooooo wrong. Please, please, listen to reason. We are the only ones (apparently) who know if we were born this way or not, ok?

Answer 7

AHH H AH AH.. The two responses above me make me laugh.. This question has been answered over and over again.. People are gay because they are. Its not Learned.. Its not Genetic.. they are just gay...

Answer 8

My parents were not divorced. I was not 'taught', and I am extremely insulted by the comment by Ashlee that homosexuals are addicted to porn! I do not like or never have liked porn! What an extremely insulting generalization to make. Where does that mentality come from???

Answer 9

Agree with Chris L

Answer 10

people are born either gay or straight or bisexual and there's nothing wrong with it



to the 1st answerer: my parents have been married for 25 years