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As science continues to advance, there is new evidence about homosexuality and its relation to the mind and body. Many scientists believe genetics has a large role in determining sexuality. This means that genes from either the father or mother, or both, determine whether or not an individual is gay. Supporters of this claim are often in favor of the belief that sexuality is inborn. In other words, heredity and genetics determines sexuality, an individual does not choose their own beliefs. Many studies have been done to try and observe a families genetic history, and most of the studies found the same thing; if there is such thing as a gay gene, then it is linked maternally. Heterosexual women would be a carrier of the gene and if received by a male offspring, they have the possibility of becoming gay. Studies have also linked the genetics between gay brothers. In the region of the X chromosome, Dean Hamer of the National Cancer Institute in Washington D.C. observed that more than 66% of brothers had a similar genetic make up. This region, also known as Xq28, has not pointed out a specific gene in which the homosexuality trait is located, but there is overwhelming evidence that genetics has a large role in sexuality. As recent as 2006, studies have been done to support that claim that genetics and the X chromosome may be the main cause for sexuality. Sven Bocklandt, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California at Los Angeles, observed that "'when we looked at women who have gay kids, in those with more than one gay son, we saw a quarter of them inactivate the same X in virtually every cell we checked.'" (2). Whereas the DSM used to view sexuality as a disease, everyday, researchers are getting closer and closer to proving that it is linked genetically.

http://allpsych.com/journal/homosexuality.html


http://drdeborahserani.blogspot.com/2006/05/genetics-and-sexuality-gay-gene.html


http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/biology/b103/f97/projects97/Newman.html


Of course, not everyone is a supporter of genetics. Environmentally, sexuality can change based on experiences and knowledge. Some believe that homosexuals opt to be gay, that there truly is a choice in their sexuality. There are 2 common environmental beliefs. Jean Foucault believes that sexuality is nothing more than the depth of desire, that superficial tastes and preferences determine preference (20). David Halperin not only disagrees with Foucault, but believes that homosexuality is deeper than superficial tastes and a psychological condition (20). Environmentalists that agree with Foucault also commonly accept individuals should not be broken up into categories, but that homosexuality is not always equal and influenced by 'superficial' tastes. He also supports the notion that homosexuality has not always been around, but was created "because we made it so'" (18). Supporters of Halperin believe the opposite, they believe that there are 3 different sexuality groups, heterosexual, gay men, and lesbians, and that homosexuality is an equal and symmetrical relationship level. Halperin also supports the idea that homosexuality is an accident, that it came around through error. Another reason many people support the environmental viewpoint is because of religion. Homosexuality is not openly accepted in all religions, and therefore receives negative connotations from these organizations. Homosexuality is seen as wrong and in many cases, a sin. Another famous environmental supporting theory is made by the famous Sigmund Freud. Freud suggested the possibility of innate sexuality, in other words the belief that humans are all born bisexually. Psychological development, both environmental and biological, develop your monosexuality. Homosexuality still elicits many questions that have not yet been solved, but environmental causes may answer a great deal of them. Although neither genetics nor environmental causes have been 100% proven, both seem to have an input on an individual.


Up until now, we have been talking about researchers, psychologists, and scientists. To fully understand what an individual is feeling, you must ask them and get inside of their head. Most gays agree on one thing; they feel that being either homosexual or bisexual was not a choice, but an inborn characteristic that they cannot change. Most homosexuals are proud of who they are. They are offended when you do not accept them as anyone else, for they believe that they are no different. Many homosexuals just want the same rights as heterosexuals have, and are in a constant battle for the fight against government and social discrimination. Jennifer Baumgardner expresses her opinion in an article of Bitch magazine. Jennifer is a feminist that writes journalism for both Ms. and the Nation. She is also a published author and has a son. She believes in certain morals such as self-identity and purity. She also emphasizes that homosexuals are very different in nature and there are no tell tale signs of sexuality. As she says, she doesn't believe that she looks gay, nor are her hair and fashion choices classically gay (51). You cannot characterize someone as gay, no matter how feminine or masculine, the clothes they wear, the people they are around, none of which are telltale signs. She finishes with saying, "I'm much more interested in art around these topics than the labels put on them, which I don't think convey much at all" (95). The labels commonly associated with homosexuality are often found offensive and misleading. These generalizations are often wrong and have little or nothing to do with deciding a person's sexuality. During my research, not a single article portrayed sexuality as being linked to acceptance, popularity, or peer pressure. Though some characteristics are common among certain groups, no specific traits have been tied to homosexuality. As Jennifer states, she wants to make sure her "self-worth remain[s] intact" (50). Everyone has a different appeal and the characteristics involved do not determine sexual preference.