The AntiChris

Use of birth control techniques is a deviation from the common denominator of genetics: replication. Therefore it is genetically deviant to use birth control techniques.

So what?

Chris

Machiavelli

So you think being gay is a choice, like taking birth control is?

The AntiChris

Whether homosexuality (or, more precisely, homosexual behaviour) is a "choice" is morally irrelevant.

Chris

mecca777

If it was not compulsory to find out, I would refuse that information. If one had to express a choice before conception was permitted, I would flip a coin and choose on that basis.

tronvillain

Wouldn't it be more fair to roll a ten sided die or something? I would personally choose for my children to be heterosexual simply because it might give them an easier life and might make having grandchildren more likely. Anyway, I think the "older bird pushing the younger birds out the nest" theory might be a pretty good one for explaining at least part of male homosexuality, but it would mean that it is definitely not a strictly genetically determined trait.

99Percent

My own theory (though not likely original) that explains why homosexuality is prevalent despite its genetic paradox is simple. It is because societal and religious moralism forces homosexuals to marry and have children, and therefore the gene of homosexuality is propagated.

mecca777

Well, if we're talking about enforced choice through genetic selection, I wouldn't really want to determine the natural ratio that I'd be replacing. The opportunity would exist for my gay child to make me a grandparent anyway, and it will be their choice; and my current social circle probably works out at a fairly even mix of gay, straight and bisexual people.

If "bisexual" and various gradients of preference weren't an option, I'd toss a coin. If "bisexual" was an option, that's what I would choose. That way, they will have the opportunity to find the person who makes them happiest, regardless of the contents of that person's underpants.

Dr Rick

That's pretty damn good.

Nowhere357

But similar pressures don't exist elsewhere in the animal kingdom, and yet the behavior hasn't been naturally selected out.

I think it's more likely the gene has survival value for the species - activating due to the stress of over-population, for example. Fwiw.

Daleth

Question for someone else with more zoological knowledge than me...

We know that homosexual behavior is common in other species, but do some individuals of any other species practice solely homosexual sex? Or is it uniquely human that an individual may avoid heterosexual behavior entirely?

Thanks
Dal