Edited by: Carol Eugene Park
The majority of us have heard the argument espoused by people and politicians that homosexuality, or being gay, is a choice. According to some, homosexuality is a sin, a crime against nature. Proponents of this argument advance their claims on the basis of evolutionary biology, and natural selection. Humans couldn’t possibly be born gay because a so-called “gay gene” would discourage individuals from reproducing; therefore, discontinuing the inheritance of this biological “abnormality.”
First, let’s establish a rough timeline. Contrary to popular belief, homosexuality has been speculated to have existed for at least thousands of years, and can be traced back to at least 2900-2500 BC. In 2011, archaeologists found what they believed to be the 5000 year-old remains of a homosexual or transgendered caveman in the Czech Republic. Often times, a male would be buried on their right side with their head facing west, while females were laid on their left, in the direction of the east. However, this caveman’s head was turned to the east, a tradition consistent with female burials. In turn, this discovery has led to the speculation that the caveman in question could’ve been homosexual. From an archeological point of view, homosexuality has existed for thousands of years, perhaps much earlier than humans have previously thought.
But the question remains: Is homosexuality a choice?
The argument that homosexuality is a choice is undoubtedly controversial, and in fact, science has proven that this argument does not have a lot of substantial evidence. Researchers have found links in human and animal DNA that could possibly be connected to “gay genes.” Through the study of the relationships between mothers and brothers, and animal behaviour, researchers have concluded that homosexual individuals do not “choose” to be gay, but are rather influenced by biological factors—it’s all about genetics.
In 1993, scientist Dean Hamer analyzed the families of 114 homosexual twin brothers through the use of pedigree and linkage charts. He chose to research twins in his study because twins have identical genetic sequencing. Of these 114 twin brothers, he discovered a peculiar pattern within the X-chromosome inherited from the maternal side, found between the segments of Xq27 and Xq28. This observation suggests that homosexual genetics could possibly be correlated to a mother’s X-chromosome.
From his examination of 944 Canadian men and their family trees in 2006, scientist Anthony Bogaert argued that males with more biological brothers are more likely to be homosexual. Bogaert uncovered that the presence of a male fetus within the womb could likely alter the condition of the womb, and as a result, affect a mother’s ability to carry a fetus. Other scientists have predicted this occurrence to be the result of a mother building resistance against the Y-chromosome while the fetus grows within the womb. Furthermore, published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, a study found parallels between homosexual men and their mothers and maternal aunts. Within these families, mothers and maternal aunts are more inclined to give birth to children than those of maternal relatives of heterosexual men. Homosexual males are also more likely to have more relatives on their mother’s side. 40% of all homosexual behaviour has been estimated by scientists to be influenced by genes.
Humans are not the only living things to have exhibited homosexual behaviour. In fact, homosexual behaviour has also been observed within animals. According to studies, homosexual characteristics have been found in over 1000 species: three of which include penguins, dolphins and primates. At New York’s Central Park Zoo, two male chinstrap penguins, Roy and Silo, display classic bonding affections such as neck entwinement, flipper flapping, and mutual grooming. Other animals have displayed similar characteristics. Male ostriches have been known to bond with same-sex ostriches, and male flamingos have been known to mate, build nests, and raise “adopted chicks.”
The connection between biological factors and homosexuality has also been researched, observed, and studied in animals. By removing the gene fructose mutarotase (FucM), a gene known to be associated with an animal’s reproductive instincts, Korean geneticists were able to modify the sexual inclinations of female mice. Through observation, geneticists discovered that female mice with the removed gene generally disregarded male mice and showed disinterest in smelling male urine. Instead, they “came on” to other female mice. These geneticists concluded that the lack of the FucM gene tricked the female’s brain into operating similarly to that of a male’s. In 1995, a similar study conducted by the National Institute of Health revealed equivalent results, determined through the removal of the Fruitless (Fru) gene. Typically, a male fruit fly may perform a distinctive song and dance when in close contact with a female fly, allowing the fly to display his interest and appeal to the female’s attention. However, scientists have found that should this gene be defective, the male fruit fly will fail to dance and sing in the company of a female.
Although scientists have yet to definitively prove that homosexuality is caused by genetics, research has been able to conclude that a large portion of it can in fact have to do with heredity. While there likely isn’t one single “gay gene,” genetics can definitely play a role in determining sexuality. Sexual orientation can differ from person to person regardless of maternal and fraternal influences, coupled with altered reproductive instincts.
Whether or not individuals choose to be gay, science asserts that it is incorrect to argue that all homosexual behaviour is a choice; it can be a function of many different factors, including genetics. Perhaps it’s time to put the argument that homosexuality is a choice aside.