Myth Buster Monday: Is homosexuality genetic, immutable and unchangeable?

February 28, 2011

No scientist or researcher has ever proven that homosexuality is genetic, immutable or unchangeable. In fact many of the so-called gay gene studies, such as the Bailey/Pillard “twin studies,” prove the exact opposite – homosexual behavior is not genetic. Homosexual advocates and the media have pushed the “there is a gay gene” myth for over a decade and a large share of the public has bought into this misinformation.

Even the American Psychological Association (APA) now acknowledges that there is not a gay gene. In their “Answers to Your Questions for a Better Understanding of Sexual Orientation & Homosexuality,” they state the following:

“There is no consensus among scientists about the exact reasons that an individual develops a heterosexual, bisexual, gay or lesbian orientation. Although much research has examined the possible genetic, hormonal, developmental, social, and cultural influences on sexual orientation, no findings have emerged that permit scientists to conclude that sexual orientation is determined by any particular factor or factors. Many think that nature and nurture both play complex roles….”

It is necessary for homosexual advocates to equate homosexual behavior to an immutable and unchangeable trait (like race or sex) in order to claim the “gay rights” movement is a Civil Rights issue. But can those who deal with homosexual tendencies and behavior change? Yes, thousands of former-homosexuals are testimony to the fact that change is possible. Gay advocates and psychological associations are particularly eager and aggressive in their efforts to discredit reparative/reorientation therapy groups who work to aid individuals who wish to escape homosexual behavior and lifestyle.

The success of the gay movement seems to hinge upon their ability to convince the public that change is impossible. That National Association of Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH) has an informative white paper explaining the success and challenges of reorientation therapy. See it here. Again, homosexual behavior is neither immutable nor unchangeable and thus not a Civil Rights issue. Some famous African American Civil rights figures have made that point as well:

“The comparison with slavery is a stretch in that some slave masters were gay, in that gays were never called three-fifths human in the Constitution and in that they did not require the Voting Rights Act to have the right to vote.” (Rev. Jesse Jackson, address at Harvard Law School)

The recent refusal of the Obama administration to defend the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) included a perpetuation of the myth that homosexual behavior is immutable and changeable when the Justice Department’s claimed that “sexual orientation should be subject to a more heightened standard of scrutiny” in the courts – a classification reserved for cases involving discrimination on the basis of such things as race or sex.

This particular myth is pretty deeply entrenched and requires each one of us to become educated on the topic and not allow the misinformation and misconceptions to continue. Spread the word.

For a list of studies related to this topic, go to UFI’s Guide to Family Issues: Sexual Orientation (pg. 26-28)

https://unitedfamiliesinternational.wordpress.com/2011/02/28/myth-buster-monday-is-homosexuality-genetic-immutable-or-unchangeable/