Homosexuality, Choice or Genetic

Lorisco I hope you don’t mind me jumping in on this:

[quote]BlaKistKneeGrow wrote:
Lorisco wrote:
2) You state that your lifestyle doesn’t hurt anyone and it is two adults behind closed doors, etc…; if that is the case, why do gay men have a higher occurrence of mental AND physical disease/conditions than the straight population? (Check the CDC website for facts)

Maybe menatl problems are higher in the gay community. Look however at what they have to deal with growing up and throughout their life. You think that the world looking down on who you are your entire life wouldn’t contribute to you having mental problems?[/quote]

If that were true then in the Netherlands and other areas of the world where homosexuality is accepted one would think that the suicide rate and all other mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety would be lower right?

unfortunately, that’s not the case! Even in places where homosexuality is accepted (gay marriage etc.) the mental health problems are just as great as they are in the USA.

[quote]As for physical disease, read my above response to primalfearofhomosexuals.
[/quote]

There is no other group in the country (or perhaps the world) that “lives” with such a high rate of disease and early death. It far exceeds alcoholism for example.

The statistics on this are legendary, don’t make me post more data from the CDC, just go take a look yourself, it’s shocking!

ZEB,

I’m not liberal. I am free thinking. I do what I feel is right. Whether the liberals or conservatives have my same way of thinking, I don’t care. You assume just because someone accepts gay people, it must all be part of the “liberal lie”? You know that there are conservatives out there that think the same way as me don’t you?

After you read all of primalfear’s posts. Is his behavior OK with you? Would Jesus act that way?

Whether or not gays have mental problems is not even the debate in the first place. It’s whether they choose to be gay or not. I have first hand experience with my brother. Do you have experience with someone you love being homosexual ZEB?

Like I said, maybe mental problems are higher in gays, so where do we stand then? What about straight people with mental problems? There are lots. Do we ignore their problems and dismiss them because “most” gays have mental problems? What is your answer ZEB?

Better yet ZEB, tell us what you like to do to your wife behind closed doors. Then I’ll tell you whether your going to hell or not.

[quote]ZEB wrote:
CappedAndPlanIt wrote:
KneeGrow, I’m sorry to say it but you’re probably wasting your time. You’re trying to logically argue against someone with an illogical fear.

The liberal lie is to frame this debate as if there is actually “fear” involved. Then if someone speaks out they are labeled as “homophobic”.

Very good Cap, but it’s old and not so many people are buying into this nonsense.
[/quote]

Nope, its fear. Get over it.

hahahaha. The homosexual agenda. Sounds like you’re paranoid, Zeb. And arent paranoia and fear sort of similar? You lose.

Boo hoo.

sigh You mean the “converted” christians who, after 17 years of being “cured” still have to pray to jeezus for the strength to resist other men?

You mean those who are forced to CLAIM to have changed in order to “fit in”? You mean those whos parents, friends, brothers, and sisters would “kick them to the curb” if they didnt?

I didnt reply earlier because, frankly, its bullshit.

Show me something that proves that there is an ACTUAL change and not simply people CLAIMING to have made a change in order to be accepted, and we’ll go from there.

But yes, you’ve got a very, very strong point that a homophobic society will result in many homosexuals falsely claiming to be straight in order to avoid persecution.

As to the “mental problems” argument, does anyone have any data concerning the difference in appearance of mental illness in homosexuals in homophobic societies vs appearance of mental illness in homosexuals in accepting societies?

Because I’m pretty sure the instance of mental illness in blacks was higher during slavery, I’d bet the instance of mental illness in Jews was higher in Nazi Germany, and I’d bet, really, in any situation where a group of people are hated and discriminated against, the instance of mental illness in that group goes up.

And I’m sure, in any case, the bigots against whatever group would point out this fact as justification for their bigotry.

[quote]BlaKistKneeGrow wrote:
Lorisco wrote:
2) You state that your lifestyle doesn’t hurt anyone and it is two adults behind closed doors, etc…; if that is the case, why do gay men have a higher occurrence of mental AND physical disease/conditions than the straight population? (Check the CDC website for facts)

My brothers lifestyle doesn’t hurt anyone. He is a good person and a good uncle to my daughter. His gay relationships don’t effect my life or anyone elses.

Mental and physical disease are rampant all over the world. Maybe mental problems are higher in the gay community. Look however at what they have to deal with growing up and throughout their life. You think that the world looking down on who you are your entire life wouldn’t contribute to you having mental problems? There are many scenarios. What if you were a closet gay person, growing up in a religious family that didn’t accept gays. You knew you were gay, but also knew by coming out, your family would disown you. This happens all the time. You think that wouldn’t cause mental problems?

You are taking a group of individuals that have struggled their entire life to fit into society, and asking why they have mental problems? I think you answered your own question.

As for physical disease, read my above response to primalfear(of homosexuals).

[/quote]

I think you are reading in to my posts. I’m in no way saying your brother is a bad person. I’m not even saying that all gay people are bad people. What I am saying is that the lifestyle has been proven to be very dangerous to those involved. Regardless of the origins of these problems, I believe it is uncaring and overlooks the real issue to just say “let them live however they want”. The reason being is that the outcome is mental problems, physical disease and early death. I don’t believe that is what you want for your brother, right?

So what I’m saying is that the compassionate thing to do is not accept their plight and watch them die. The compassionate thing to do is help them deal with their mental and physical issues.

I don’t see how anyone can set back and say gays don’t need treatment or some kind of help and then see the staggering statistics that demonstrate the disastrous outcome of this lifestyle, choice, condition, etc.

[quote]CappedAndPlanIt wrote:
I didnt reply earlier because, frankly, its bullshit.

Show me something that proves that there is an ACTUAL change and not simply people CLAIMING to have made a change in order to be accepted, and we’ll go from there.

But yes, you’ve got a very, very strong point that a homophobic society will result in many homosexuals falsely claiming to be straight in order to avoid persecution.
[/quote]

Zeb, if I could jump in here for a moment.

Cap, Just a little reality orientation for you.

I have seen it again and again on this site, people putting down people changing from gay to straight through a religious process or organization. The fact is, these are similar methods as used with those who have chemical dependency and addition disorders. And these “religious methods” have been scientifically shown to be very effective. In fact, the AA 12 step program is the most effective alcohol treatment program EVER! It has been shown to be more effective in long term change than any other program or method.

So get a grip! Just because you don’t want gays to be able to change, doesn’t mean they cannot.

It’s the same argument that Blacks cannot succeed in society because they are discriminated against. And yet, hundreds of thousands of Blacks are very successful. And they are also explained away just as you try and explain away those who legitimately wanted to change and have changed. Just like the Black scenario, you don’t like it because these people are living proof that your ideas are not valid.

Lorisco,

You are not going to convince me that gays choose their attraction, whether there are high rates of mental problems or not.

I have first hand experience with someone I love being gay. Do you?

Hmm, lets see, believe a guy on the internet who has no experience with gay people, or believe my brother who I grew up with? I choose my brother.

Like I said opinions should be formed from experience, not in place of it.

You’re right, my brother doesn’t want to change. What sexual fetish are you into? Are you into anal sex with women? Do you want to change? Or is there nothing wrong with you?

Lorisco, I can’t answer your first question. It makes no sence. As for question number two, the reason gay people have mental/phsycological issues could be caused by many different things.

Growing up with this secret that is a huge part of who you are, hiding it for years. For me it was all the people at church, my brothers, my parents, friends all would frown apon gay people and would act disgusted every time the topic came up. for a 13 year old kid going through his important growing years that make him who he is, does a shit load of mental damage, wouldn’t you say? It is an incredible feeling of lonelyness that no person should have to go through because of there sexual orientation. I lived this way for 20 years untill I came out to my brother at age 21.

For many of my gay freinds, it was pretty much the same.
Many of my freinds that are gay got into drugs at an early age to try and cope with who they are. So maybe this will help you and others understand why some gay people have mental issues. It should be common sence.

What about gay women? It’s interesting that when the word homosexual is said, people automatically think and point to gay men, not women.

Heck, most men like the idea of lesbians, its a turn on for them. But hey, they’re women right? So its ok?

Think about it, disease is harder to spread without semen. This is the reason that disease is high in the gay male community. Considering the “unatural” nature of homosexuality, and the cause of disease is from the “unatural” behavior, shouldn’t women be effected just as much as gay men regarding disease? USE YOUR BRAIN! They aren’t because they don’t have semen.

Gay women are not looked down upon like gay men. This is because most of the bigotry is started by men, men with fear and hatred towards their same sex being attracted to the same sex. When they think of gay women however, what do they say? Hell ya man! Let me get in on that!

Isn’t it ALL unatural and ALL wrong? Why the difference between gay men and gay women?

Points that the confused bring up:

Disease

Unatural

Mental problems

All of these things are going on regardless of whether gays exist or not. It’s just easier to point the finger at gay men. Logically gay men are more prone to disease and mental problems, no kidding!

As for unatural, as I’ve mentioned over and over again -

Men having anal with women. This is “unatural”. Tons and tons of men like this. Why is this somehow dismissed? Even men who like to do a girl in the ass then have them suck their dick. Is this “natural”?

Go ahead though keep ignoring this topic.

[quote]CappedAndPlanIt wrote:
ZEB wrote:
CappedAndPlanIt wrote:
KneeGrow, I’m sorry to say it but you’re probably wasting your time. You’re trying to logically argue against someone with an illogical fear.

The liberal lie is to frame this debate as if there is actually “fear” involved. Then if someone speaks out they are labeled as “homophobic”.

Very good Cap, but it’s old and not so many people are buying into this nonsense.

Nope, its fear. Get over it.[/quote]

Oh I see, that sounds like a similar argument that you tried to use regarding the health problems that homosexuals regularly have. And that was also your answer to the many studies that I posted regarding “homosexuals” that have changed to heterosexual.

It didn’t make any sense then and it makes no sense now. You can continue to make noise while sticking your fingers in your ears, but what does it really mean?

Prove it’s fear, or simply stop using that tired old attack.

[quote]

Look on the brightside, though. At least his hateful rants

More liberal, politically correct lies! Again, if anyone opposes the homosexual agenda they are hateful.

You’re making me laugh Cap.

hahahaha. The homosexual agenda. Sounds like you’re paranoid, Zeb. And arent paranoia and fear sort of similar? You lose.[/quote]

I see, more name calling and still no proof to back up your tired old assertions.

I wonder why the left thinks that people are stupid?

I come up with evidence and you sit there and name call.

You’re still funny Cap!

[quote]
Your entire argument is an insult to anyone with a modicum of intelligence.

Boo hoo.[/quote]

Hey, there’s a trend here. Almost finished with your post and you have not said even one significant thing.

-Not a shred of evidence to back up your argument.

You see Cap “boo hoo” just doesn’t make any sense, at least not in the adult world.

[quote]

Let me know when you’re ready to answer the volumes of data which clearly indicate that many homosexuals who WANT to change are able to. You ducked that debate earlier in the thread, remember?

sigh You mean the “converted” christians who, after 17 years of being “cured” still have to pray to jeezus for the strength to resist other men?[/quote]

Good job Cap, you’re 2 for 2 with the attack buz words.

You see everyone first they call you “afraid” of homosexuals. Then they immediately resort to the religious attack.

Ha ha.

No Cap, I never mentioned even one “religious study”. Sorry to disappoint you, but people do change. I don’t think it’s genetic.

[b]By the way, if it were genetic how come you decided at one point you wanted to have sex with guys? Were you born that way and then realized that you just didn’t like it, or did you just change?

Ha ha.[/b]

Please keep them coming I’m having a riot.

Oh, and here are the studies which you ducked earlier in the thread. Would you like to answer each of them right now? Hey, how about just answering 15 or 20 of them? You can begin by telling us all how those people really didn’t change. And how you know more about each persons life than they do.

Intellectual honesty is something that your side will never be accused of.

Here you go:

"(May 9, 2001). Press Release, National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality, Prominent Psychiatrist Announces New Study Results: “Some Gays can Change.” Available at
“Like most psychiatrists,” says Dr. Robert L. Spitzer, “I thought that homosexual behavior could be resisted, but sexual orientation could not be changed. I now believe that’s untrue–some people can and do change.”
Acosta, F., (1975) Etiology and treatment of homosexuality: review. Archives of Sexual Behavior. 4:9-29.
??better prospects for intervention in homosexual life and in its prevention through the early identification and treatment of the potential homosexual child.? (p. 9)
Aries, P. and A. Bejin, ed., Male Homosexuality in Western Sexuality: Practice and Precept in Past and Present Times, 40-61, cited by Joseph Nicolosi in Reparative Therapy of Male Homosexuality. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson Inc., 1991), 124-125.

Bieber, I., et al. (1962) Homosexuality: A Psychoanalytic Study of Male Homosexuals. NY: Basic Books.
?The therapeutic results of our study provide reason for an optimistic outlook. Many homosexuals became exclusively heterosexual in psychoanalytic treatment. Although this change may be more easily accomplished by some than by others, in our judgment a heterosexual shift is a possibility for all homosexuals who are strongly motivated to change.? (p. 319)
Bieber, I., Bieber, T. (1979) Male homosexuality. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. 24, 5:409-421.
?We have followed some patients for as long as 20 years who have remained exclusively heterosexual. Reversal estimates now range from 30% to an optimistic 50%.? (p.416)
Cappon, D., (1965) Toward an Understanding of Homosexuality. Englewoord Cliffs NJ: Prentice-Hall.
Of patients with bisexual problems 90% were cured (i.e., no reversions to homosexual behavior, no consciousness of homosexual desire and fantasy) in males who terminated treatment by common consent. Male homosexual patients: 80% showed marked improvement (i.e., occasional relapses, release of aggression, increasingly dominant heterosexuality)? 50% changed.? (p. 265-268)
Clippinger, J., (1974) Homosexuality can be cured. Corrective and Social Psychiatry and Journal of Behavior Technology Methods and Therapy. 21, 2:15-28.
?Of 785 patients treated, 307, or approximately 38%, were cured. Adding the percentage figures of the two other studies, we can say that at least 40% of the homosexuals were cured, and an additional 10 to 30% of the homosexuals were improved, depending on the particular study for which statistics were available.? (p. 22)
Fine, R., (1987) Psychoanalytic theory. (in Diamant L. Male and Female Homosexuality: Psychological Approaches. Washington: Hemisphere Publishing.) 81-95.
??a considerable percentage of overt homosexuals became heterosexual? If patients were motivated, whatever procedure is adopted a large percentage will give up their homosexuality? The misinformation that homosexuality is untreatable by psychotherapy does incalculable harm to thousands of men and women?? (p. 85-86)
Fitzgibbons, R., (1999) The origins and therapy of same-sex attraction disorder. (in Wolfe, C. Homosexuality and American Public Life. Spence) 85-97.
“The second most common cause of SSAD [same sex attraction disorder] among males is mistrust of women?s love? Male children in fatherless homes often feel overly responsible for their mothers. As they enter their adolescence, they may come to view female love as draining and exhausting.? (p. 89)
?Experience has taught me that healing is a difficult process, but through the mutual efforts of the therapist and the patient, serious emotional wounds can be healed over a period of time.? (p. 96)
Goetze, R. (1997) Homosexuality and the Possibility of Change: A Review of 17 Published Studies. Toronto Canada: New Directions for Life.
44 persons who were exclusively or predominantly homosexual experienced a full shift of sexual orientation.
Hatterer, L., (1970) Changing Homosexuality in the Male. NY: McGraw-Hill.
49 patients changed (20 married, of these 10 remained married, 2 divorced, 18 achieved heterosexual adjustments); 18 partially recovered, remained single; 76 remained homosexual (28 palliated ? 58 unchanged) ?A large undisclosed population has melted into heterosexual society, persons who behaved homosexually in late adolescence and early adulthood, and who, on their own, resolved their conflicts and abandoned such behavior to go on to successful marriages or to bisexual patterns of adoption.? (p. 14)
James, Elizabeth (1978) Treatment of Homosexuality: A Reanalysis and Synthesis of Outcome Studies (unpublished PhD dissertation, Brigham Young University, on file with Brigham Young University Library).
Elizabeth James meta-analyzed over 100 outcome studies published between 1930 and 1976, and concluded that when all the research was combines, 35% of homosexual clients “recovered” and 27% improved.
Kaye, H., Beri, S., Clare, J., Eleston, M., Gershwin, B., Gershwin, P., Kogan, L., Torda, C., Wilber, C. (1967) Homosexuality in Women. Archives of General Psychiatry. 17:626-634.
??optimism in the psychoanalytic treatment of homosexual women. ?at least a 50% probability of significant improvement in women with this syndrome who present themselves for treatment and remain in it.? (p. 634)
Kronemeyer, R. (1980) Overcoming Homosexuality. NY: Macmillian
?For those homosexuals who are unhappy with their life and find effective therapy it is ?curable?.? (p.7)
MacIntosh, H. (1994) Attitudes and experiences of psychoanalysts. Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association. 42, 4: 1183-1207.
824 male patients of 213 analysts ? 197 (23.9%) changed to heterosexuality, 703 received significant therapeutic benefit; and of the 391 female patients of 153 analysts ? 79 (20.2%) changed to heterosexuality, 318 received significant therapeutic benefit. (p. 1183)
MacIntosh, H. (1995) Attitudes and Experiences of Psychoanalysts in Analyzing Homosexual Patients. Journal of the American Psychiatric Association 1183.
422 psychiatrists were asked if they had successfully treated homosexuals, and did they agree that a homosexual can be changed to heterosexual. Of the 285 responses, which involved 1,215 homosexuals, the survey stated that 23% changed to heterosexuality. 84% benefited significantly by reducing their attraction to other members of the same gender, with a decrease in homosexual activity.
Marmor, J. (1975) Homosexuality and Sexual Orientation Disturbances. (In Freedman, A., Kaplan, H., Sadock, B. Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry: II, Second Edition. Baltimore MD: Williams & Wilkins)
?This conviction of untreatability also serves an ego-defensive purpose for many homosexuals. ?however, there has evolved a greater therapeutic optimism about the possibilities for change? There is little doubt that a genuine shift in preferential sex object choice can and does take place in somewhere between 20 and 50 per cent of patients with homosexual behavior who seek psychotherapy with this end in mind.? (p. 1519)
Newman, L., (1976) Treatment for the parents of feminine boys. American Journal of Psychiatry. 133, 6: 683-687.
?Experiences of being ostracized and ridiculed may play a more important role than has been recognized in the total abandonment of the male role at a later time.? (p. 687)
?Feminine boys, unlike men with postpubertal gender identity disorders seem remarkably responsive to treatment.? (p. 684)
Nicolosi, J., Byrd, A., Potts, R. (1998) Towards the Ethical and Effective Treatment of Homosexuality. Encino CA: NARTH.
Nicolosi surveyed 850 individuals and 200 therapists and counselors ? specifically seeking out individuals who claim to have made a degree of change in sexual orientation. Before counseling or therapy, 68% of respondents perceived themselves as exclusively or almost entirely homosexual, with another 22% stating they were more homosexual than heterosexual. After treatment only 13% perceived themselves as exclusively or almost entire homosexuality, while 33% described themselves as either exclusively or almost entirely heterosexual, 99% of respondents said they now believe treatment to change homosexuality can be effective and valuable.
Pattison, E.M., Pattison, M.L. (1980, December) ?Ex-Gays?: Religiously Mediated Change in Homosexuals. American Journal of Psychiatry. 137 (12): 1553-1562.
Authors evaluated 11 white men who claimed to have changed sexual orientation from exclusive homosexuality to exclusive heterosexuality. Corollary evidence suggests that the phenomenon of substantiated change in sexual orientation without explicit treatment and/or long-term psychotherapy may be much more common than previously thought.
Rekers, J. (1988) The formation of homosexual orientation. (In Fagan, P. Hope for Homosexuality. Washington DC: Free Congress Foundation.)
?With major research grants from the National Institute of Mental Health, I have experimentally demonstrated an affective treatment for ‘gender identity disorder of childhood’, which appears to hold potential for preventing homosexual orientation in males.?
Satinover, J., (1996) Homosexuality and the Politics of Truth. Grand Rapids MI: Baker.
These reports contradict claims that change is impossible. It would be more accurate to say that all the existing evidence suggests strongly that homosexuality is quite changeable.
?Each individual?s homosexuality is the likely result of a complex mixture of genetic, intrauterine, and extrauterine biological factors combined with familial and social factors as well as repeatedly reinforced choices.? (p. 245)
“A study conducted by a homosexual couple found that out of 156 same-sex couples ‘only seven had maintained sexual fidelity; of the hundred couples that had been together for more than five years, none had been able to maintain sexual fidelity. The authors noted that the expectation for outside sexual activity was the rule for male couples and the exception for heterosexuals.’”
Schwartz, M.F., Masters, W.H. (1984, February). The Masters and Johnson treatment program for dissatisfied homosexual men. American Journal of Psychiatry. 141 (2): 173-181.
?Certain individuals who want to change their homosexual preference can be helped by a short-term intensive intervention. The failure rate in helping dissatisfied homosexuals establish heterosexual lifestyles after the intensive phase of the intervention was 20.9%, and after 5 years? follow-up it was 28.4%.
Spitzer, Robert (May 2001) Psychiatry and Homosexuality, Wall St. Journal, A26.
“In the sample he studied, Spitzer concluded that many (homosexuals) made substantial changes (after gender affirmative therapy) in sexual arousal and fantasy–not merely behavior. Even subjects who made less substantial change believed it to be extremely beneficial.”
Throckmorton, W. (1996) Efforts to modify sexual orientation: A review of outcome literature and ethical issues. Journal of Mental Health and Counseling. 20, 4: 283-305.
?I submit that the case against conversion therapy requires opponents to demonstrate that no patients have benefited from such procedures or that any benefits are too costly in some objective way to be pursued even if they work. The available evidence supports the observation of many counselors ? that many individuals with same-gender sexual orientation have been able to change through a variety of counseling approaches.? (p. 287)
West, D. (1977) Homosexuality Re-examined. London Duckworth
Behavioral techniques have the best document success (never less than 30%); psychoanalysis claims a great deal of success (the average rate seemed to be about 5%, but 50% of the bisexuals achieved exclusive heterosexuality.)
Zucker, K., Bradley, S. (1995) Gender Identity Disorder and Psychosexual Problems in Children and Adolescents. NY: Guilford. ??we feel that parental tolerance of cross-gender behavior at the time of its emergence is instrumental in allowing the behavior to develop?? (p. 259)
??In general we concur with those (e.g. Green 1972; Newman 1976; Stoller, 1978) who believe that the earlier treatment begins, the better.? (p. 281) ?It has been our experience that a sizable number of children and their families can achieve a great deal of change. In these cases, the gender identity disorder resolves fully, and nothing in the children?s behavior or fantasy suggests that gender identity issues remain problematic? All things considered, however, we take the position that in such cases clinicians should be optimistic, not nihilistic, about the possibility of helping the children to become more secure in their gender identity.? (p. 282)”

[b]Please read these studies and point out to me why you think that the authors are indeed lying.

If you can’t do this save the standard liberal “crap speak” for some gullible kids because no one is buying on this thread![/b]

[quote]Lorisco wrote:
BlaKistKneeGrow wrote:
Lorisco wrote:
2) You state that your lifestyle doesn’t hurt anyone and it is two adults behind closed doors, etc…; if that is the case, why do gay men have a higher occurrence of mental AND physical disease/conditions than the straight population? (Check the CDC website for facts)

My brothers lifestyle doesn’t hurt anyone. He is a good person and a good uncle to my daughter. His gay relationships don’t effect my life or anyone elses.

Mental and physical disease are rampant all over the world. Maybe mental problems are higher in the gay community. Look however at what they have to deal with growing up and throughout their life. You think that the world looking down on who you are your entire life wouldn’t contribute to you having mental problems? There are many scenarios. What if you were a closet gay person, growing up in a religious family that didn’t accept gays. You knew you were gay, but also knew by coming out, your family would disown you. This happens all the time. You think that wouldn’t cause mental problems?

You are taking a group of individuals that have struggled their entire life to fit into society, and asking why they have mental problems? I think you answered your own question.

As for physical disease, read my above response to primalfear(of homosexuals).

I think you are reading in to my posts. I’m in no way saying your brother is a bad person. I’m not even saying that all gay people are bad people. What I am saying is that the lifestyle has been proven to be very dangerous to those involved. Regardless of the origins of these problems, I believe it is uncaring and overlooks the real issue to just say “let them live however they want”. The reason being is that the outcome is mental problems, physical disease and early death. I don’t believe that is what you want for your brother, right?

So what I’m saying is that the compassionate thing to do is not accept their plight and watch them die. The compassionate thing to do is help them deal with their mental and physical issues.

I don’t see how anyone can set back and say gays don’t need treatment or some kind of help and then see the staggering statistics that demonstrate the disastrous outcome of this lifestyle, choice, condition, etc.

[/quote]

Their " mental" problem is called testosterone.

Men take more risks to get what they want and that includes sex. As a result of that they also die earlier than women do, who risk less, take care of themselves and visit a doctor if it hurts.

There is of course an easy operation to cure all this, feel free to live longer and healthier.

I am speaking out of concern, if a simple operation can cure you of being “male”, which is associated with higher risk of alcoholism, mental disorders and sexual deviance how could I not recommend cutting your balls off?

There are choices we make as human beings everyday, but there are also certain things that we don’t sit down and choose. Scientists and psychologists are spending huge sums of money and time looking for the cause of homosexuality. Trying to figure out why some people are gay. But all you need to do to figure it out is to talk to gay people. There may in this world be a handful of straight people who make a choice to live a gay lifestyle, but the majority of gay people would tell you if asked that they did not choose to be gay. They would not say that they woke up one day and decided that they were attracted to the same gender. In fact most gay people find the whole notion of choosing your sexual orientation kind of crazy.

Think about it. When did you choose your sexual orientation. At what point did you decide which sex you would be attracted to? If you ever thought you were attracted to the same sex, but then chose to be attracted just to the opposite sex, I would dare guess that you my friend are really gay.

Being gay in many ways is like being left-handed. For the left handed person, there are movements and ways of doing things that come naturally, but if forced to a left handed person can learn to act right handed. And once they’ve mastered the art of acting right handed, using their left hand becomes a matter of choice. But that doesn’t mean that they are right handed.

There was a time in our society when it was not okay to be left-handed. There were many left handed people who were forced to use their right hand and made to feel shameful about being left-handed. There were even those who called left handedness a sin. Today there are studies that show that left handed people who suppress their left handedness suffer psychologically, are more apt to commit suicide, and have a harder time learning. Luckily today, we know the truth about being left handed and don’t force our young lefties to use their right hands.

But today in America there are a great number of people convinced that being gay is a choice. This faulty belief comes a great cost. There are thousands if not millions of gay people trying to be straight (I was one of them). Gay people who marry, have children and find themselves trapped in a life of lies. Gay teenagers who try yet fail to be straight and end up killing themselves.

As human beings we all have free will. When it comes to being gay there are choices that gay people make. A gay person can choose to be honest and express their same sex attraction or to be dishonest and live a lie. They can choose to keep their sexual orientation a secret or they can choose to be both open and honest.

[quote]ModernLifeIsWar wrote:

There are choices we make as human beings everyday, but there are also certain things that we don’t sit down and choose. Scientists and psychologists are spending huge sums of money and time looking for the cause of homosexuality. Trying to figure out why some people are gay. But all you need to do to figure it out is to talk to gay people. There may in this world be a handful of straight people who make a choice to live a gay lifestyle, but the majority of gay people would tell you if asked that they did not choose to be gay. They would not say that they woke up one day and decided that they were attracted to the same gender. In fact most gay people find the whole notion of choosing your sexual orientation kind of crazy.

Think about it. When did you choose your sexual orientation. At what point did you decide which sex you would be attracted to? If you ever thought you were attracted to the same sex, but then chose to be attracted just to the opposite sex, I would dare guess that you my friend are really gay.

Being gay in many ways is like being left-handed. For the left handed person, there are movements and ways of doing things that come naturally, but if forced to a left handed person can learn to act right handed. And once they’ve mastered the art of acting right handed, using their left hand becomes a matter of choice. But that doesn’t mean that they are right handed.

There was a time in our society when it was not okay to be left-handed. There were many left handed people who were forced to use their right hand and made to feel shameful about being left-handed. There were even those who called left handedness a sin. Today there are studies that show that left handed people who suppress their left handedness suffer psychologically, are more apt to commit suicide, and have a harder time learning. Luckily today, we know the truth about being left handed and don’t force our young lefties to use their right hands.

But today in America there are a great number of people convinced that being gay is a choice. This faulty belief comes a great cost. There are thousands if not millions of gay people trying to be straight (I was one of them). Gay people who marry, have children and find themselves trapped in a life of lies. Gay teenagers who try yet fail to be straight and end up killing themselves.

As human beings we all have free will. When it comes to being gay there are choices that gay people make. A gay person can choose to be honest and express their same sex attraction or to be dishonest and live a lie. They can choose to keep their sexual orientation a secret or they can choose to be both open and honest.

[/quote]

Are you concerned at all about the negative consequences of the “gay lifestyle”? I mean, there is very compelling clear scientific evidence that the outcome of being gay is means a much higher occurrence of mental and physician disease and early death.

So given this fact, should those guys with an inborn attraction to other males just learn to deal with it and not act on it?

There are men attracted to children. Should they act on this to be true to themselves or suppress it in order to protect others and themselves?

You will probably say that that is not between two consenting adults and is abuse. I agree. However, both are self destructive and could also negatively effect the other person as well, depending on the issue, i.e. AIDS and other blood borne disease.

So I guess what I’m saying is at what point does being true to your impulses become secondary to maintaining your health and the health of others?

[quote]ZEB wrote:
CappedAndPlanIt wrote:
ZEB wrote:
CappedAndPlanIt wrote:
KneeGrow, I’m sorry to say it but you’re probably wasting your time. You’re trying to logically argue against someone with an illogical fear.

The liberal lie is to frame this debate as if there is actually “fear” involved. Then if someone speaks out they are labeled as “homophobic”.

Very good Cap, but it’s old and not so many people are buying into this nonsense.

Nope, its fear. Get over it.

Oh I see, that sounds like a similar argument that you tried to use regarding the health problems that homosexuals regularly have. And that was also your answer to the many studies that I posted regarding “homosexuals” that have changed to heterosexual.

It didn’t make any sense then and it makes no sense now. You can continue to make noise while sticking your fingers in your ears, but what does it really mean?

Prove it’s fear, or simply stop using that tired old attack.

Look on the brightside, though. At least his hateful rants

More liberal, politically correct lies! Again, if anyone opposes the homosexual agenda they are hateful.

You’re making me laugh Cap.

hahahaha. The homosexual agenda. Sounds like you’re paranoid, Zeb. And arent paranoia and fear sort of similar? You lose.

I see, more name calling and still no proof to back up your tired old assertions.

I wonder why the left thinks that people are stupid?

I come up with evidence and you sit there and name call.

You’re still funny Cap!

Your entire argument is an insult to anyone with a modicum of intelligence.

Boo hoo.

Hey, there’s a trend here. Almost finished with your post and you have not said even one significant thing.

-Not a shred of evidence to back up your argument.

You see Cap “boo hoo” just doesn’t make any sense, at least not in the adult world.

Let me know when you’re ready to answer the volumes of data which clearly indicate that many homosexuals who WANT to change are able to. You ducked that debate earlier in the thread, remember?

sigh You mean the “converted” christians who, after 17 years of being “cured” still have to pray to jeezus for the strength to resist other men?

Good job Cap, you’re 2 for 2 with the attack buz words.

You see everyone first they call you “afraid” of homosexuals. Then they immediately resort to the religious attack.

Ha ha.

No Cap, I never mentioned even one “religious study”. Sorry to disappoint you, but people do change. I don’t think it’s genetic.

[b]By the way, if it were genetic how come you decided at one point you wanted to have sex with guys? Were you born that way and then realized that you just didn’t like it, or did you just change?

Ha ha.[/b]

Please keep them coming I’m having a riot.

Oh, and here are the studies which you ducked earlier in the thread. Would you like to answer each of them right now? Hey, how about just answering 15 or 20 of them? You can begin by telling us all how those people really didn’t change. And how you know more about each persons life than they do.

Intellectual honesty is something that your side will never be accused of.

Here you go:

"(May 9, 2001). Press Release, National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality, Prominent Psychiatrist Announces New Study Results: “Some Gays can Change.” Available at
“Like most psychiatrists,” says Dr. Robert L. Spitzer, “I thought that homosexual behavior could be resisted, but sexual orientation could not be changed. I now believe that’s untrue–some people can and do change.”
Acosta, F., (1975) Etiology and treatment of homosexuality: review. Archives of Sexual Behavior. 4:9-29.
??better prospects for intervention in homosexual life and in its prevention through the early identification and treatment of the potential homosexual child.? (p. 9)
Aries, P. and A. Bejin, ed., Male Homosexuality in Western Sexuality: Practice and Precept in Past and Present Times, 40-61, cited by Joseph Nicolosi in Reparative Therapy of Male Homosexuality. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson Inc., 1991), 124-125.

Bieber, I., et al. (1962) Homosexuality: A Psychoanalytic Study of Male Homosexuals. NY: Basic Books.
?The therapeutic results of our study provide reason for an optimistic outlook. Many homosexuals became exclusively heterosexual in psychoanalytic treatment. Although this change may be more easily accomplished by some than by others, in our judgment a heterosexual shift is a possibility for all homosexuals who are strongly motivated to change.? (p. 319)
Bieber, I., Bieber, T. (1979) Male homosexuality. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. 24, 5:409-421.
?We have followed some patients for as long as 20 years who have remained exclusively heterosexual. Reversal estimates now range from 30% to an optimistic 50%.? (p.416)
Cappon, D., (1965) Toward an Understanding of Homosexuality. Englewoord Cliffs NJ: Prentice-Hall.
Of patients with bisexual problems 90% were cured (i.e., no reversions to homosexual behavior, no consciousness of homosexual desire and fantasy) in males who terminated treatment by common consent. Male homosexual patients: 80% showed marked improvement (i.e., occasional relapses, release of aggression, increasingly dominant heterosexuality)? 50% changed.? (p. 265-268)
Clippinger, J., (1974) Homosexuality can be cured. Corrective and Social Psychiatry and Journal of Behavior Technology Methods and Therapy. 21, 2:15-28.
?Of 785 patients treated, 307, or approximately 38%, were cured. Adding the percentage figures of the two other studies, we can say that at least 40% of the homosexuals were cured, and an additional 10 to 30% of the homosexuals were improved, depending on the particular study for which statistics were available.? (p. 22)
Fine, R., (1987) Psychoanalytic theory. (in Diamant L. Male and Female Homosexuality: Psychological Approaches. Washington: Hemisphere Publishing.) 81-95.
??a considerable percentage of overt homosexuals became heterosexual? If patients were motivated, whatever procedure is adopted a large percentage will give up their homosexuality? The misinformation that homosexuality is untreatable by psychotherapy does incalculable harm to thousands of men and women?? (p. 85-86)
Fitzgibbons, R., (1999) The origins and therapy of same-sex attraction disorder. (in Wolfe, C. Homosexuality and American Public Life. Spence) 85-97.
“The second most common cause of SSAD [same sex attraction disorder] among males is mistrust of women?s love? Male children in fatherless homes often feel overly responsible for their mothers. As they enter their adolescence, they may come to view female love as draining and exhausting.? (p. 89)
?Experience has taught me that healing is a difficult process, but through the mutual efforts of the therapist and the patient, serious emotional wounds can be healed over a period of time.? (p. 96)
Goetze, R. (1997) Homosexuality and the Possibility of Change: A Review of 17 Published Studies. Toronto Canada: New Directions for Life.
44 persons who were exclusively or predominantly homosexual experienced a full shift of sexual orientation.
Hatterer, L., (1970) Changing Homosexuality in the Male. NY: McGraw-Hill.
49 patients changed (20 married, of these 10 remained married, 2 divorced, 18 achieved heterosexual adjustments); 18 partially recovered, remained single; 76 remained homosexual (28 palliated ? 58 unchanged) ?A large undisclosed population has melted into heterosexual society, persons who behaved homosexually in late adolescence and early adulthood, and who, on their own, resolved their conflicts and abandoned such behavior to go on to successful marriages or to bisexual patterns of adoption.? (p. 14)
James, Elizabeth (1978) Treatment of Homosexuality: A Reanalysis and Synthesis of Outcome Studies (unpublished PhD dissertation, Brigham Young University, on file with Brigham Young University Library).
Elizabeth James meta-analyzed over 100 outcome studies published between 1930 and 1976, and concluded that when all the research was combines, 35% of homosexual clients “recovered” and 27% improved.
Kaye, H., Beri, S., Clare, J., Eleston, M., Gershwin, B., Gershwin, P., Kogan, L., Torda, C., Wilber, C. (1967) Homosexuality in Women. Archives of General Psychiatry. 17:626-634.
??optimism in the psychoanalytic treatment of homosexual women. ?at least a 50% probability of significant improvement in women with this syndrome who present themselves for treatment and remain in it.? (p. 634)
Kronemeyer, R. (1980) Overcoming Homosexuality. NY: Macmillian
?For those homosexuals who are unhappy with their life and find effective therapy it is ?curable?.? (p.7)
MacIntosh, H. (1994) Attitudes and experiences of psychoanalysts. Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association. 42, 4: 1183-1207.
824 male patients of 213 analysts ? 197 (23.9%) changed to heterosexuality, 703 received significant therapeutic benefit; and of the 391 female patients of 153 analysts ? 79 (20.2%) changed to heterosexuality, 318 received significant therapeutic benefit. (p. 1183)
MacIntosh, H. (1995) Attitudes and Experiences of Psychoanalysts in Analyzing Homosexual Patients. Journal of the American Psychiatric Association 1183.
422 psychiatrists were asked if they had successfully treated homosexuals, and did they agree that a homosexual can be changed to heterosexual. Of the 285 responses, which involved 1,215 homosexuals, the survey stated that 23% changed to heterosexuality. 84% benefited significantly by reducing their attraction to other members of the same gender, with a decrease in homosexual activity.
Marmor, J. (1975) Homosexuality and Sexual Orientation Disturbances. (In Freedman, A., Kaplan, H., Sadock, B. Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry: II, Second Edition. Baltimore MD: Williams & Wilkins)
?This conviction of untreatability also serves an ego-defensive purpose for many homosexuals. ?however, there has evolved a greater therapeutic optimism about the possibilities for change? There is little doubt that a genuine shift in preferential sex object choice can and does take place in somewhere between 20 and 50 per cent of patients with homosexual behavior who seek psychotherapy with this end in mind.? (p. 1519)
Newman, L., (1976) Treatment for the parents of feminine boys. American Journal of Psychiatry. 133, 6: 683-687.
?Experiences of being ostracized and ridiculed may play a more important role than has been recognized in the total abandonment of the male role at a later time.? (p. 687)
?Feminine boys, unlike men with postpubertal gender identity disorders seem remarkably responsive to treatment.? (p. 684)
Nicolosi, J., Byrd, A., Potts, R. (1998) Towards the Ethical and Effective Treatment of Homosexuality. Encino CA: NARTH.
Nicolosi surveyed 850 individuals and 200 therapists and counselors ? specifically seeking out individuals who claim to have made a degree of change in sexual orientation. Before counseling or therapy, 68% of respondents perceived themselves as exclusively or almost entirely homosexual, with another 22% stating they were more homosexual than heterosexual. After treatment only 13% perceived themselves as exclusively or almost entire homosexuality, while 33% described themselves as either exclusively or almost entirely heterosexual, 99% of respondents said they now believe treatment to change homosexuality can be effective and valuable.
Pattison, E.M., Pattison, M.L. (1980, December) ?Ex-Gays?: Religiously Mediated Change in Homosexuals. American Journal of Psychiatry. 137 (12): 1553-1562.
Authors evaluated 11 white men who claimed to have changed sexual orientation from exclusive homosexuality to exclusive heterosexuality. Corollary evidence suggests that the phenomenon of substantiated change in sexual orientation without explicit treatment and/or long-term psychotherapy may be much more common than previously thought.
Rekers, J. (1988) The formation of homosexual orientation. (In Fagan, P. Hope for Homosexuality. Washington DC: Free Congress Foundation.)
?With major research grants from the National Institute of Mental Health, I have experimentally demonstrated an affective treatment for ‘gender identity disorder of childhood’, which appears to hold potential for preventing homosexual orientation in males.?
Satinover, J., (1996) Homosexuality and the Politics of Truth. Grand Rapids MI: Baker.
These reports contradict claims that change is impossible. It would be more accurate to say that all the existing evidence suggests strongly that homosexuality is quite changeable.
?Each individual?s homosexuality is the likely result of a complex mixture of genetic, intrauterine, and extrauterine biological factors combined with familial and social factors as well as repeatedly reinforced choices.? (p. 245)
“A study conducted by a homosexual couple found that out of 156 same-sex couples ‘only seven had maintained sexual fidelity; of the hundred couples that had been together for more than five years, none had been able to maintain sexual fidelity. The authors noted that the expectation for outside sexual activity was the rule for male couples and the exception for heterosexuals.’”
Schwartz, M.F., Masters, W.H. (1984, February). The Masters and Johnson treatment program for dissatisfied homosexual men. American Journal of Psychiatry. 141 (2): 173-181.
?Certain individuals who want to change their homosexual preference can be helped by a short-term intensive intervention. The failure rate in helping dissatisfied homosexuals establish heterosexual lifestyles after the intensive phase of the intervention was 20.9%, and after 5 years? follow-up it was 28.4%.
Spitzer, Robert (May 2001) Psychiatry and Homosexuality, Wall St. Journal, A26.
“In the sample he studied, Spitzer concluded that many (homosexuals) made substantial changes (after gender affirmative therapy) in sexual arousal and fantasy–not merely behavior. Even subjects who made less substantial change believed it to be extremely beneficial.”
Throckmorton, W. (1996) Efforts to modify sexual orientation: A review of outcome literature and ethical issues. Journal of Mental Health and Counseling. 20, 4: 283-305.
?I submit that the case against conversion therapy requires opponents to demonstrate that no patients have benefited from such procedures or that any benefits are too costly in some objective way to be pursued even if they work. The available evidence supports the observation of many counselors ? that many individuals with same-gender sexual orientation have been able to change through a variety of counseling approaches.? (p. 287)
West, D. (1977) Homosexuality Re-examined. London Duckworth
Behavioral techniques have the best document success (never less than 30%); psychoanalysis claims a great deal of success (the average rate seemed to be about 5%, but 50% of the bisexuals achieved exclusive heterosexuality.)
Zucker, K., Bradley, S. (1995) Gender Identity Disorder and Psychosexual Problems in Children and Adolescents. NY: Guilford. ??we feel that parental tolerance of cross-gender behavior at the time of its emergence is instrumental in allowing the behavior to develop?? (p. 259)
??In general we concur with those (e.g. Green 1972; Newman 1976; Stoller, 1978) who believe that the earlier treatment begins, the better.? (p. 281) ?It has been our experience that a sizable number of children and their families can achieve a great deal of change. In these cases, the gender identity disorder resolves fully, and nothing in the children?s behavior or fantasy suggests that gender identity issues remain problematic? All things considered, however, we take the position that in such cases clinicians should be optimistic, not nihilistic, about the possibility of helping the children to become more secure in their gender identity.? (p. 282)”

[b]Please read these studies and point out to me why you think that the authors are indeed lying.

If you can’t do this save the standard liberal “crap speak” for some gullible kids because no one is buying on this thread![/b]

[/quote]

I think the authors are lying because of a biased approach to the study resulting in questionable results. There is no objective study proving that homosexuals change without external pressures.

I question your motives in trying so hard to “prove” that homosexuals can change. Generally the topic of “choice vs innate” comes up because it is looked at as the deciding factor in discrimination (you can, generally, discriminate against choices but not against things that are innate).

Does it really interest you that much that homosexuals should be discriminated against?

[quote]ModernLifeIsWar wrote:
Lorisco, I can’t answer your first question. It makes no sence. As for question number two, the reason gay people have mental/phsycological issues could be caused by many different things.

[/quote]

The first question is whether you would accept a person who grew up gay and later realized they were actual straight. And at that time actually stated that they realized they were actual straight all along but didn’t come out about it for whatever reason.

So would you accept this person the same as someone who grew up straight and then came out as gay later?

[quote]Lorisco wrote:
CappedAndPlanIt wrote:
I didnt reply earlier because, frankly, its bullshit.

Show me something that proves that there is an ACTUAL change and not simply people CLAIMING to have made a change in order to be accepted, and we’ll go from there.

But yes, you’ve got a very, very strong point that a homophobic society will result in many homosexuals falsely claiming to be straight in order to avoid persecution.

Zeb, if I could jump in here for a moment.

Cap, Just a little reality orientation for you.

I have seen it again and again on this site, people putting down people changing from gay to straight through a religious process or organization. The fact is, these are similar methods as used with those who have chemical dependency and addition disorders. And these “religious methods” have been scientifically shown to be very effective. In fact, the AA 12 step program is the most effective alcohol treatment program EVER! It has been shown to be more effective in long term change than any other program or method.
[/quote]

Curing alcoholism = good. Coercing homosexuals to be heterosexuals = bad.

I don’t believe gays should be coerced into changing, which is what all of Zebs studies prove is possible.

I don’t think, even if it is honest and sincere, that wanting to change something simply because there is a lot of bigotry against it is “legitimate”.

I asked Zeb, I’ll ask you: other than rationalization for discrimination against them, what difference does it make, to you, or to society, if homosexuality is a choice or not?

When I see an objective, unbiased study showing that all homosexuals are arbitrarly making the “choice” to be gay, I’ll hop on your side. Too bad it’ll never happen.

[quote]Lorisco wrote:

The immune system is actually part of the nervous system to the extent that the thoughts you think can and do affect your lower brain centers and which in turn effect your immune systems actions. The formal study of this is called psychoneuroimmunology.

All these interacting systems have the sole purpose to maintain stasis and ultimately survival.

I think part of our disagreement is your use of the term “purpose”. You appear to be using it in some other manner that it’s true meaning:

  1. the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc.
  2. an intended or desired result; end; aim; goal.
  3. determination; resoluteness.
  4. the subject in hand; the point at issue.
  5. practical result, effect, or advantage: to act to good purpose.
  6. to set as an aim, intention, or goal for oneself.
  7. to intend; design.
  8. to resolve (to do something): He purposed to change his way of life radically.
  9. to have a purpose.

[/quote]
Im attempting to discuss purpose on a more complex level than the basic dictionary defs… but to be more clear with these definitions i want to clear up the fact that there is a difference in usage specifically between defintion 1 and definitions 2 and 7
The prob is the defs themselves are somewhat ambiguous but id say if u are using purpose more in the defintion 1 way it is ok to use it whereas if u are using in the sense of 2 and 7 its less applicable to physical systems

anyhoo … i actually do agree with u about the nervous system and its relation to the immune system… problem is that most ppl aren’t familiar with this take on biology as its been primarily attacked from a reductionist view as opposed to a holistics who systems view…

what kinda research do u d… systems biology? it seems like u are more into this approah… have u read Web of Life by Fritjov Capra… its all about the in inextricable link of systems specifically biological ones… I assume ud like it

[quote]Lorisco wrote:
Are you concerned at all about the negative consequences of the “gay lifestyle”? I mean, there is very compelling clear scientific evidence that the outcome of being gay is means a much higher occurrence of mental and physician disease and early death.

So given this fact, should those guys with an inborn attraction to other males just learn to deal with it and not act on it?

There are men attracted to children. Should they act on this to be true to themselves or suppress it in order to protect others and themselves?

You will probably say that that is not between two consenting adults and is abuse. I agree. However, both are self destructive and could also negatively effect the other person as well, depending on the issue, i.e. AIDS and other blood borne disease.

So I guess what I’m saying is at what point does being true to your impulses become secondary to maintaining your health and the health of others?
[/quote]

Lorisco,

Why do you feel that you are in a place to critique other people’s lives?

My gay brother and his gay friends don’t have AIDS, they don’t go around spreading AIDS and they don’t harm anyone else. This being the case, you still have a problem don’t you?

I think your problem with gays runs deeper than diseases. Why you even brought up the analogy about child molestors shows your issues. Then you go on to say that “oh you’ll probably say it’s not the same because it’s between consenting adults”? Well no shit, why bring it up at all then if you already know its bullshit?

Interesting how everyone ignored my previous posts.

[quote]Lorisco wrote:

I actually agree with you on this one.

Twins studies demonstrate that approx. 1/4 of chronic disease is genetic; meaning the other 3/4 is lifestyle - choice - related.

So if we can apply the results of these studies to being gay it would conclude that some gays may be genetic, but most are gay by choice.

Also, it should be pointed out that other studies on genetics and disease seem to indicate that even those with a certain gene linked to a disease, some do not get the disease due to other lifestyle factors. So even having the gene does not guarantee disease.

This would mean that even if someone had the “gay gene”, some could still choose not to be gay.

[/quote]

So u and i have a very slight logical disagreement that is amplified when u think about the social consequences

U still say ppl are gay by choice. But once again choice and being influenced by their environment are not the same thing. Lets say 1/4 of the homosexual phenotype (meaning internal homosexual desires not overt homosexual behavior) is influenced by genotype, while the other 3/4 is determined by environment/lifestyle.

Environmental and lifestyle influence can come in many flavors. Ive stated earlier that conditions in the womb and early childhood can heavily influence a child. The thing is that while these are part of the 3/4 environment lifestyle, the child has no choice in these matters

Similarly u can actively make choices that may lead to a phenotype but essentially are unrelated to it. For instance (and this is obviously meant to be an example) Lets say eating lots of ketchup had a causal relationship to developing a homosexual phenotype. U could actively be making a choice to eat ketchup but not actively making a choice to be homosexual. Thus u can “purposefully” choose to interact with ur environment in ways that may lead to the expression of a phenotype even though u are unaware of the consequences.

Finally id like to say that no I am not saying here that choice is not a factor… merely that saying 3/4 is influenced by lifestyle does not exclusively mean choice

choice may still be a factor…

though in my opinion i dont think choice plays much a role in the attraction to the opposite sex… only in whether or not u decide to engage in overt homosexual behavior

[quote]ElbowStrike wrote:
conner wrote:
BlaKistKneeGrow wrote:
Our society is fucked up because fucked up people such as yourself don’t like to live and let live.

Not to mention the fact that they’re allowed to breed.

Speaking of breeding…

If homosexuality is genetic, then a religious government forcing homosexuals to live a heterosexual, reproductive lifestyle only causes homosexuality to be bred into the population.

It’s practically in the Religious Right’s best interests to openly accept homosexuality. With all the gays out of the closet, none will be “fooling” themselves into heterosexual unions and breeding more gays!

Give that a few generations and gayness might be bred out.

Not that I think they should be. The world needs talented interior designers.

ElbowStrike

[/quote]

haha i like this point… i brought it up earlier but no one else seemed impressed by the irony :frowning: