Are peoples sexual orientations really 'decided' at or before birth?

Question

I am not trying to insult or belittle anyone in anyway. I am an R&S regular and I often read people saying "I was born this way", during the regular arguments.
I am not saying this is untrue, I was just wondering if there is any impiracle evidence or research to back this up or its really hot air.

So is it genetic, chemical or nuerological? And is there any evidence that you can cite for me?

Note: I don't think there is anything wrong with homosexuality, I was just wondering about the validity of this claim. I thought I was born Asexual in all honesty. Then developed into a Heterosexual as I grew older.

So please can you give me the science this is based upon?

Solorose, please can you reference it for me, I have heard that said before but never has anyone given me a reference.

So many truly insightful answers here, thanks for taking this seriously.

Answer 1

Of course not. Whom you have sex with is clearly a choice. You could walk away if you choose.

Many people switch sides for many reasons every day. Look at Anne Hetche as just one example.

To say that you were born gay is taking personal responsibility out.

Answer 2

First, people who state that they are born gay are not arguing. They are stating their case as they know it. Why does a discussion on this issue always have to be an argument? I do not argue with people I disagree with. They have their opinion and I have mine. Together, I hope that we will see each other's side. In Religions and Spirituality, there are numerous discussions that become heated because people are unwilling to allow others to have opinions opposed to their own. In this, the LGBT forum, we are very open to other's point of view but will defend our community vehemently when there are people who are here to mistreat us. That being said, there is no imperical evidence regarding the "decision". Back in the 1990s, scientists believed that they had isolated the gene that makes us gay. That has been disputed since but gay activists and gay people alike have pounced on the initial findings because they wanted something that supports their beliefs and their political platforms. There is much evidence that suggests there are two factors. One being somewhat genetic and the other being environmental. As you are well aware, homosexuality in itself is not forbidden. The bible makes it more than clear that it is the sexual aspect of homosexuality that is considered an abomination. So if someone were gay but did not have gay sexual relations, they were all right with God. Many faiths have also taken this position. Sadly, this is not acceptable all these years later. It is high time that society just get off its pedestal and start to accept everyone as they are. No one is better than the other and there is no reason to call for proof that we were all created equal.

Answer 3

I read a case study (it was a couple of years ago in a philosophy class) that suggested that it is a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The study suggested that sexual orientation was determined at a very young age, and not a choice. I don't have a citation.

I believe you're born with an inclination towards a certain sexual orientation, but that the inclination can be changed by environmental factors early in life.

I should also point out, I'm not trying to suggest that sexual preference is a choice. I don't think it is, I just think it's determined after birth.

Answer 4

I'm not going to make any friends with this, but no, It's not valid. No trait is either entirely environment or entirely genetics. They all run the gambit in how much each is controlled by each. To say something like sexuality is entirely a product of genetics is *almost* as ignorant (but not as bigoted) as saying it's entirely choice. You hear about the nature vs. nurture debate, well I tell you that geneticists laugh at that. Nothing is strictly one or the other. Even physical traits determined at birth can change with the environment.

That said, suppose it was determined by genes. Would that change anything? Who I am is who I am. Gay, straight, whatever, I don't count myself as being the sum of my experiences and neither should anyone else. I'm going to sit back and watch the answers on this one, they should be interesting. Kudos on asking a good question.

Edit: I find it interesting how often the phrase "I believe" comes up.

Answer 5

I'm not being flip here but try this introspection: why are you the way you are? What morning, specifically, did you awake and decide to be non-gay? Or were you just born that way? Is there any hard evidence YOU have of why you are the way you are? Ultimately, does it matter?

I have always been concerned about science trying to "find the gay gene." While scientists are more or less only interested in finding out what makes things--and people--tick, you can be assured that if a gay gene WERE discovered, much legislation would be proposed and homophobic outcry would be raised to MAKE SURE NOT ONE MORE HUMAN BEING IS BORN GAY. And that simply goes against nature's plan.

Answer 6

Sexual Orientation is a reflection of who you are romantically, physically, emotionally and sexually attracted to -- Research suggests, and poll after poll has shown that sexual orientation is rooted in every person’s biology very early in the life cycle, and quite possibly even during the perinatal period.

People who have been tortured and tormented and intimidated have wanted nothing more than to change their sexuality, so other people would stop hating them.

But it never has really worked. People who repress who or what they are become sicker and more twisted in other ways.

Healthy people accept who they are, and don't try to conform their human condition to some cultural or religious idea. Just because someone says humans should behave or function a certain way, doesn't change how humans ultimately end up acting.

Stop and ask yourself: Did I choose to be heterosexual, and when did I make this choice? If you're realistic and honest, you probably never even gave your sexuality a thought. You just become sexual at a certain age and ran with it.

Why should gay people be any different?

Answer 7

You know how some people say that they can prove God exists because they have had a personal experience of him talking to them or something? It's kinda the same thing with being gay. Personally, I believe it must be decided at birth because I've always felt this way.
EDIT: Seeing as you asked for the science, I'll add that as far as I am aware homosexuality and bisexuality are caused by exposure to certain hormones in the womb.

Answer 8

This is a great Question!
I believe a Person is born Homo/Heterosexual or even Bisexual.
I don't think anyone chooses to be Homosexual, I don't mean this negatively, I just know how People can be; judgmental,criticizing,etc.

Answer 9

I can tell you only from my experience that I believe I was born gay. I've only ever liked or been attracted to other girls and then women, never boys or men. I tried to date guys, but it made me physically ill to do anything other than kiss.

I don't much care what evidence there is pointing one way or the other about why, I only know who and what I am.... a decent caring woman who loves other women.

Answer 10

They are born that way, but it seems to have something to do with the hormones the fetus is exposed to in utero, rather than genetics.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2002340883_gayscience19m.html
http://www.utexas.edu/courses/bio301d/Topics/Gay/Text.html
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/03/09/60minutes/main1385230.shtml

P.S. Stay away from NARTH. Some of their contributors are scientists, some are ministers with no background in science.
The group as a whole are opposed to gay rights and are trying to prove that it is not inborn.

Answer 11

There is a lot of debate about the reasons for homosexuality. I think there is no one explanation. Each person is unique.
I only know who I am and that I am the way I am supposed to be.