The notion that people are "born gay" is one that has permeated modern discourse, particularly within progressive and left-wing circles. However, as a person who has undergone significant personal transformation—from a socialist and a former executive in organizations that often promoted progressive ideals to becoming a devout Christian conservative with strong roots in traditional values—I find it essential to approach this topic with both scientific rigor and psychological understanding. From both perspectives, I believe it is clear that homosexuality is not an innate characteristic that one is born with but rather a result of complex, multifactorial influences.
The Scientific Basis
Genetics and biology certainly play a crucial role in human behavior, but the claim that someone is born with an immutable sexual orientation, such as homosexuality, is unsupported by current scientific research. The assertion that homosexuality is genetic often draws from studies examining the correlation between identical twins, where one twin is homosexual, and the other may or may not be. However, the rates of concordance (both twins sharing the same sexual orientation) in identical twins do not exceed 50%, which suggests that while genetic factors may influence sexual preference, they are far from determinative.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), "no single factor determines sexual orientation." Instead, researchers emphasize the complex interaction between genetic, hormonal, social, and environmental factors. Hormonal influences during prenatal development may contribute to the formation of sexual preferences. For example, studies suggest that exposure to certain hormone levels in the womb might influence sexual orientation, but again, this is only one of many factors involved.
Furthermore, studies examining environmental and social factors also point to their influence in shaping sexual attraction. These factors can range from childhood experiences, family dynamics, and cultural environments to social pressures and experiences of abuse or trauma. These influences do not "force" anyone into a particular sexual orientation but rather interact with an individual’s psychology to affect their sexual preferences.
Psychological Perspective
From a psychological standpoint, human sexuality is deeply influenced by both cognitive and emotional development. Sexual preferences are not simply hardwired but rather shaped by a combination of conscious and unconscious factors. Psychoanalytic theory, for instance, discusses how early life experiences, including relationships with primary caregivers, can influence one’s sexual identity. While contemporary psychology has moved away from viewing homosexuality as a disorder, it still recognizes the role that early life experiences, family relationships, and social influences have in forming sexual identity.
In my own experience, as someone who has gone through a profound transformation—from being a devout Muslim and progressive to becoming a Christian conservative—I've seen the power of environmental and psychological changes in shaping identity. I have observed how an individual’s surroundings, experiences, and decisions can play an enormous role in determining the path they take in life, including their sexual identity. The idea that we are simply products of our biology without the ability to influence our psychological and spiritual development flies in the face of both personal experience and scientific understanding.
The Role of Faith and Personal Choice
From a Christian conservative and LDS (Latter-day Saints) perspective, human beings are endowed with agency, the ability to choose right from wrong, and the capacity to develop morally and spiritually. The Bible teaches that our actions and behaviors are choices, and that includes sexual behavior. In my own faith journey, I have come to believe that while individuals may experience same-sex attraction, it does not mean they are helplessly bound to that attraction. Through faith, self-discipline, and commitment to a higher moral standard, individuals can choose how to act on their desires.
It is essential to differentiate between attraction and action. While one may experience feelings of attraction toward the same sex, acting on these feelings is a matter of choice. And for those of us who have found strength in faith, such as in my own Christian conservative beliefs, there is the opportunity to redirect these feelings toward a righteous path.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the assertion that people are "born gay" fails to align with both scientific findings and psychological perspectives. Human sexuality is complex and shaped by a variety of factors, not determined by genetics alone. Whether it is biological, psychological, or environmental influences, it is clear that sexual identity is not fixed at birth. As someone who has personally navigated a journey of transformation, from progressive ideals to Christian conservatism, I believe that individuals have the power to choose their actions, and in the case of homosexuality, they can make decisions about how to handle their attractions. Sexuality, like many other aspects of human identity, is not a matter of fate, but of choice and personal responsibility.
Citations:
- American Psychological Association. "Answers to Your Questions About Sexual Orientation and Homosexuality." Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/lgbtq/orientation.
- LeVay, S., & Baldwin, J. (2009). The Sexual Brain. MIT Press.
- Money, J., & Ehrhardt, A. A. (1972). Man & Woman, Boy & Girl: Differentiation and Dimorphism of Gender Identity from Conception to Maturity. Johns Hopkins University Press.
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