Are People Born Gay?

Is Homosexuality Genetic? - Courtesy of Exodus Global Alliance

No, homosexuality is not genetic. But neither do people choose to have homosexual feelings.

Genetics is the domain of science. So let’s consider what science has found regarding homosexuality and genetics. First, science has found that sexuality and sexual orientation are some of the most complex aspects of people and the answers to simple questions like “Is homosexuality genetic?” are not simple. For example, science does not have any test that can identify homosexuals from heterosexuals – no gene or DNA test, no blood or hormone test, no organ test.

Are Homosexuals "Born" or "Made"? - Sy Rogers

Some homosexuals comfort themselves with the thought that their feelings could be biologically programmed within, beyond choice or any personal responsibility. Gay activists claim that homosexuals are born gay, and that homosexuality should therefore be viewed as normal and natural. Yet, others with a homosexual orientation feel trapped by such logic, fearing they are hopeless victims of a genetic fate they want no part of. Certainiy, people don't choose to develop homosexual feelings. But that does not mean one is born pre-programmed to be forever homosexual. We are not bio-robots. And we cannot ignore environmental influences and our reactions to such influences. (One of the questions answered by Sy in an article called "Questions I am Most asked about Homosexuality - scroll down in the document )

re: Hypothalmic Differences in the brain of Homosexual & Heterosexual Men

" ...Simon LeVay, in his study of the hypothalamic differences between the brains of homosexual and heterosexual men, offered the following criticisms of his own research:

"It's important to stress what I didn't find. I did not prove that homosexuality is genetic, or find a genetic cause for being gay. I didn't show that gay men are born that way, the most common mistake people make in interpreting my work. Nor did I locate a gay center in the brain.

"The INAH 3 is less likely to be the sole gay nucleus of the brain than a part of a chain of nuclei engaged in men and women's sexual behavior....Since I looked at adult brains, we don't know if the differences I found were there at birth, or if they appeared later." (Nimmons, 1994, p. 64).

Indeed, in commenting on the brain and sexual behavior, Dr. Mark Breedlove, a researcher at the University of California at Berkeley, demonstrated that sexual behavior can actually change brain structure. Referring to his research, Breedlove states:

"These findings give us proof for what we theoretically know to be the case-that sexual experience can alter the structure of the brain, just as genes can alter it. [I]t is possible that differences in sexual behavior cause (rather than are caused) by differences in the brain" (Breedlove, 1997, p. 801)

LeVay made an interesting observation about the emphasis on the biology of homosexuality. He noted, "...people who think that gays and lesbians are born that way are also more likely to support gay rights" (1996, p. 282) ..."

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Is Homosexuality Natural?

... It is argued that because examples of homosexual behavior can be found in nature, homosexuality is “natural.” Notwithstanding such examples, homosexuality is a departure from, rather than a conformance with, the law of nature—for several reasons.

First off, all sorts of things can be found in nature, from birth defects and disease to incest and cannibalism. Existence in nature does not imply normative with nature.

We have compassion for a child born with Down syndrome precisely because it is unnatural—not “unnatural” because it is rare or a result of non-natural causes, but because we sense it is not the way things are meant to be in the natural order of things.

Next, from natural considerations same-sex couples "don't fit." The obvious physiological differences between males and females attest that heterosexual couples are equipped (and designed) to come together and accomplish a natural function for which same-sex couples cannot fit. Nature multiplies and flourishes not from sameness but complementarity.

(Excerpted from an article by Regis Nicoll, All Things Examined, entitled "Bench Legislation" )

re: Studies involving Homosexual and Heterosexual Twins

"... The third study, which was conducted by Bailey and Pillard, focused on twins. They found a concordance (both twins homosexual) rate of 52% among identical twins, 22% among non-identical twins and a 9.2 % among non-twins. This study actually provides support for environmental factors. If homosexuality were in the genetic code, all of the identical twins would have been homosexual (1991).

Prominent research teams Byne and Parsons, and also Friedman and Downey, each concluded that there was no evidence to support a biologic theory, but rather that homosexuality could be best explained by an alternative model where "temperamental and personality traits interact with the familial and social milieu as the individual's sexuality emerges" (Byne and Parsons, 1993; Friedman and Downey, 1993).

Are homosexual attractions innate? There is no support in the scientific research for the conclusion that homosexuality is biologically determined..."

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Why is the term Ex-Gay so threatening to the Homosexual community? 

It implies that one remains homosexual by choice. That the gay person need not continue in the homosexual lifestyle is an unsettling message. It is far easier to believe that there is no way out than to contemplate the rigors of the change process.

... Why then the label "ex-gay"? What purpose does it serve: It is our witness to the life-changing power of Jesus Christ. It is the ray of hope that flickers within the gay community that homosexuality is not a terminal condition. In itself, it says, "There IS a way out!" 

(Excerpted from an article by Frank Worthen, 2007, Ex-Gay - Fact, Fraud or Fantasy? )

What is the right response to Gay Theology?

Do not allow gay theology to divorce the Old testament from the New or the written words of the Apostles from the spoken words of Jesus Christ. This is a good trick, but its no longer working because God is preparing to bring millions of gays and lesbians back to His feet. He has already chosen many of us for this specific purpose and He is waiting for YOU to accept His call.

(Excerpted from an article by Charlene Cothran , Redeemed! 10 Ways to Get Out of the Gay Life, If You Want Out )

Changing Sexual identity isn't just a right wing Christian thing - CALEB H. PRICE, GUEST COLUMNIST for the Seattle Times - "People have a right to want to change their sexual identity"

" ... the current consensus in the scientific community -- even the left-leaning American Psychological Association -- is that homosexuality is likely caused by a complex interaction of biological, psychological and social/environmental factors.

While many homosexuals have come to the conclusion that they were "born gay," there exists a surprising and not insignificant minority of gays and lesbians who recognize that sexual orientation is, in fact, quite changeable. For example, Kate Kendall, director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, argues in the gay magazine Frontiers that sexual orientation is not fixed. Lesbian author Camille Paglia argues that homosexuality is not normal and that it is an adaptation -- not an inborn trait.

Apparently, the reality that people can change their sexual identity isn't just a right-wing Christian thing.

While no one knows for sure what causes homosexuality, recent research confirms that permanent change is indeed possible. Pro-gay ally Dr. Robert Spitzer of Columbia University is now convinced that many homosexuals have successfully changed their sexual orientation..."

What Would Be Other Factors in Encouraging the Development of Homosexuality? - Sy Rogers

Science has yet to prove an absolute biological cause of all 10 types of homosexuality ... However, there is data underscoring the view that some types of homosexuality are the result of problems in psychological development. Even though homosexuals may have differing backgrounds, many also have similar trends and patterns in their histories. For example in Singapore, of my homosexually oriented clients in 1991, 83% of the men and almost 70% of the women reported being victims of sexual abuse or molest, before the age of 12. Additionally, well over 90% reported the sense of being neglected or unloved in childhood especially by the parent of the same sex. 40% reported physical abuse. Another common trend in my clients, is an unfortunate history of being ridiculed and labelled 'homosexual" during their pre-teen and teen years. Labelling has tremendous power to damage and alter self image (One of the questions answered by Sy in an article called "Questions I am Most asked about Homosexuality - scroll down in the document )

TESTIMONIES:

1	Redeemed! 10 Ways to Get Out of the Gay Life, If You Want Out - by Charlene E. Cothran
2	The Man in the Mirror - by Sinclair "Sy" Rogers
3	A Personal Journey—reflections on change - Laurie Jean Wilson
4	Why it was Worth it - David Fountain
4	Testifying to the Power of God that Restores, Rebuilds and Releases - Jenny Li's Story