I used to believe I was born gay because if I did believe that, it felt better and I could just say I'm born this way.
If there is a homo gene is there one for bisexuals as well? why don't these genes get passed down to the offspring as genes do? if there was a gene then there would be more homos/bi than just 3% of the human population! (correct my number if I'm wrong)

I think its all in the head I mean even the attraction between two people who think it is love is actually only hormones that trigger your psych and make you think you are in love!

I don't know if this is directed at me personally, but if it is, you should know that I personally don't think it's that simple. I think it's a lot more complicated that "this factor causes this preference." Just like we develop personality, sexual preference is no different. I think most would agree that nearly every component of our personality is the result of what we have learned in life (either consciously or subconsciously). But that doesn't mean we can necessarily go back to someone's childhood and say "this definitely caused this." It's more like an extremely complicated balance of different factors that we probably won't be able to fully determine, let alone discover the implication of those factors. Personality may be something learned, but that doesn't mean it's a mathematical function, where we could predict the output if given the input. It's a lot more complex than that. I think sexual preference follows the same pattern. 

As for the genetic factors, they probably do exist. But until there is some conclusive evidence in support of it, I think they have the exact same effects that other genetic factors have on personality; very litte. 

No offense OP, but what makes you think you have some authorative right to ask this question? From what I take it, you are neither homosexual or interested in the concept further than asking generalized questions regarding this topic. Do you think this debate is going to be successfully resolved in this high-stakes vgchartz forum?

You know full well that there is going to be hateful vitriol spewed in all directions regarding this issue, so I want know: what is your aim with this thread? If it's clarification regarding a deeply personal matter, then take it up with your shrink. If its to shine a light on a much-maligned minority, this is not the way to do so, as you know countless individuals are waiting to strike with their anti-gay rhetoric. This doesn't further discussions about sexuality, it just plants people in different camps causing hatred and ignorance.

I appreciate that your intentions are probably pure, but us in the gay community don't need your justifications to go on living a content life. Why don't you take a backseat and try and enjoy your life in a similar fashion, one where who you are (gay, straight, bi, whatever) isn't constantly called upon in need of defending itself in whatever socio-political manner you appear to see fit for public consumption.

Just wanted to say my piece, I don't see why we are so obsessed about whose thing goes in where. Homosexuality just IS so let's accept it and move on with it, or is your purpose to find some definitive logic with which you can judge others by?

:)

My thoughts are in bolded.

Thanks for replying! I sense now that some of my aforementioned vitriol might have been coming from my own post. I totally understand and respect your right to question, especially when you do it in such a calm and thoughtful manner.

I guess it just bothers me that certain prejudiced people feel the need to sit and vivisect the sexual proclivities of homosexuals. (BTW I'm not at all including you on that list.) I mean what's the point of all this pontification? If we find a definitive answer to these questions, is the next step some sort of cure for these tendencies?

Anyway, I figure I never answered your original questions. As a gay man, I can say that both my parents were (and still are) neglectful towards me, so I don't know what that implies for the whole nature/nurture theory. All I know is that at the age of 5, Sylvester Stallone in Cliffhanger totally got my mojo going.

:)

Unlike gametes mutations, mutated genes in somatic cells don't get inheretid , read this and you will get a better idea of what I am talking about. You can replace retardation with homosexuality, since this is a guessing thread anyway.

Also why would the homosexual population go up when we don't reproduce as much as the heterosexual people?

We don't understand 98% of our DNA, and that's why we've been calling it junk DNA until recently, god knows what's embeded in there. So really, it's too early to exclud genetic causes.

I think something gets screwed up in fetal development. I mean no offense

Might be something that happens with the X chromosome

That statement was in no way centered at you, just at the argument as a whole. That is what Psychologist used to say was the reason for the "mental disorder". Then they later found that the doctors who said this didn't base it on any firm study, just on the social disposition that gay was wrong, etc.

And I do agree that aspects of our life are what create our individual "personalities". I am just exclaiming that "sexual preference" isn't part of a personality at all. Limp wrists, lisps when you talk(which comes from the brain trying to pronounce every single phonetic sound instead of ending abruptly like most people do....try it and u will notice you lisp), the way you dress,etc all occure when your brain starts interpreting external stimuli.....yet the way each of us percieves things is also dictated by internal brain function. The brain sees what is happening and tells you to either imitate, repel, or alter behavior to suit you as an individual. Some of these are dictated by the brain hormone levels I spoke of earlier.

at least that is my hypothesis of the issue.

Also Jay, I wonder if you heard of "Genetic predisposition". Some people have mutated genes that make them more susceptible to acquire a certain disease under CERTAIN environmental factors. A famous example of genetic predisposition would be Diabetes, With absence of environmental factors one may die without getting diabetic although they have diabetic genes. Other examples: Alcohol addiction (funny right?), Depression, Hypertention, etc.

So you may wanna edit your Poll and add an extra option.