The Debate About Homosexuality

[demien3k5]

When it gets right down to it, the question is as common and straightforward as 'Do you believe we are alone in the universe?'

- Do you believe homosexuality is a predetermined genetic condition at birth, or is homosexuality nothing more than an individual's conscious lifestyle choice based on personal preferences?

Since there presently exists no definitive scientific evidence one way or the other, what does your gut tell you? Hmmmmmm

 

[papasmerf]

Yes

I believe it is.......

Can it be both or is it either or?

 

[demien3k5]

Could indeed be both, depending on your viewpoint. The thread hopefully will explore a wide variety of perspectives and opinions, and perhaps even spawn some introspective thinking....

 

[papasmerf]

Could indeed be both, depending on your viewpoint. The thread hopefully will explore a wide variety of perspectives and opinions, and perhaps even spawn some introspective thinking....

What are your thoughts on it?

 

[demien3k5]

I suspect that for the vast majority, it is indeed a physiological precondition, outside of an individual's control. There is however another much smaller segment of the population who I suspect are nothing more than adopters of the lifestyle for the purposes of convenience, self-indulgence, and profitable gain.

 

[papasmerf]

I suspect that for the vast majority, it is indeed a physiological precondition, outside of an individual's control. There is however another much smaller segment of the population who I suspect are nothing more than adopters of the lifestyle for the purposes of convenience, self-indulgence, and profitable gain.

Interesting.......

Do you agree that people have to decide to act on the impulses or it is something on can not control?

 

[demien3k5]

Interesting.......

Do you agree that people have to decide to act on the impulses or it is something on can not control?

I believe that understanding who you are, and making choices/decisions about how you behave are two very different things, if that's what you're asking?

 

[papasmerf]

I believe that understanding who you are, and making choices/decisions about how you behave are two very different things, if that's what you're asking?

No.

Going on the assumption that it is hardwired into you.
Must you give into the urges or do you have no choice in the matter?

 

[demien3k5]

No.

Going on the assumption that it is hardwired into you.
Must you give into the urges or do you have no choice in the matter?

I guess it all depends on what specific urges you're referring to, and to what lengths you believe an individual's behaviors can be compelled by a genetic precondition.

 

[papasmerf]

I guess it all depends on what specific urges you're referring to, and to what lengths you believe individual's behaviors can be compelled by a genetic precondition.

Other then disease and other physical issues....ZERO percent.

 

[Boing]

You boings. It's in their genes and DNA, you are born with it. Lady Gaga said so.

 

[demien3k5]

Other then disease and other physical issues....ZERO percent.

Ah, but what do you say to those who hold the position that a genetic precondition at birth which eventually results in an individual's homosexual tendencies and attractions is in and of itself to be considered nothing more than a disease which adversely affects an otherwise 'normal' human being's behavior?

btw papa - you haven't voted yet Hmmmmmm

 

[papasmerf]

Ah, but what do you say to those who hold the position that a genetic precondition at birth which eventually results in an individual's homosexual tendencies and attractions is in and of itself to be considered nothing more than a disease which adversely affects an otherwise 'normal' human being's behavior?

No.
Being gay is not a disease.
It is a a choice made by a person.
That is not to say that other factors do not play into it.

 

[Boing]

No.
Being gay is not a disease.
It is a a choice made by a person.
That is not to say that other factors do not play into it.

Not a choice made by the person.

 

[demien3k5]

I agree that being gay is definitely not a disease.

But I don't necessarily believe that homosexual tendencies and attractions are uniquely the product of an intellectual decision. I do believe those are hard-wired based on genetics.

Only the manner in which an individual chooses to act/behave based upon those tendencies and attractions is an intellectual decision.

 

[papasmerf]

I agree that being gay is definitely not a disease.

But I don't necessarily believe that homosexual tendencies and attractions are uniquely the product of an intellectual decision. I do believe those are hard-wired based on genetics.

Only the manner in which and individual chooses to act/behave based upon those tendencies and attractions is an intellectual decision.

In part we do agree.

 

[demien3k5]

Not a choice made by the person.

You do know that Bruce Jenner is not a homosexual, right Boing?

 

[Thomas Crown]

I dont even now why this is still being debated. It been long established that its a genetic predisposition. Jenner is a homosexual, thats a different debate altogether

 

[demien3k5]

I dont even now why this is still being debated. It been long established that its a genetic predisposition. Jenner is a homosexual, thats a different debate altogether

Wrong on both counts. While there continues to be research into the possible links between genetics and homosexuality, there is not yet any definitive scientific proof that one directly causes the other.

And my understanding is that Bruce Jenner is on record as saying he is not a homosexual, he is trans-gender. In other words, he is not sexually attracted to members of the male gender, but simply self-identifies as an individual of the female gender, and as such has taken steps to both physically and socially transform himself to more closely resemble that gender image.

 

[Boing]

You do know that Bruce Jenner is not a homosexual, right Boing?