Originally Posted by
Tourneymun
Proponents argue that sexual orientation, much like handedness or tongue curling, is determined by natural, immutable biological factors such as genes or hormones, and therefore gay people should be entitled to the same legal rights and protections as other human beings.
Opponents argue that homosexuality is a reversible and unfortunate lifestyle choice resulting from poor child-parent relationships, sexual abuse, brainwashing by pro-gay influences, or other developmental causes. Some contend that gay people should be denied marriage, discrimination protection, and social and religious acceptance.
That is the crux of the matter. Many people let their confirmation bias take over. There is no consensus either way, and for laypeople to argue it is not helpful.
So what evidence do we have? Well we know from various twin studies that it is not purely genetic.
Originally Posted by
Kyure
There hasn't been any evidence that people are born gay, so I personally would believe that it could be based on environment factors or something like that. I think those that are gay 'become' gay very early on, resulting in their realization of sexual orientation later in life however. Ultimately, why does it even matter?
I doubt there is little if any evidence to support that conjecture. For the most part if a child is labeled as "gay" (or any LGBT orientation beyond the gender they were born with) then it's because of the parents.
Originally Posted by
Kyure
Gay people don't have a choice whether or not they want to be gay; that's just the way it is. There is no 'reversal process', and anyone who claims there is, is a religious fanatic. It's not like a gay person just decides one day, "Hm, I'm gay". It's a gradual thing that people come to realize, some earlier, some later. It's stupid to restrict rights on someone who can't control who they are. It's the same argument people used to slave black people, based on religious texts and the sort.
Again I doubt there is any evidence to support that conjecture. Any and all behaviours are modifiable, sexual attraction can be manipulated like anything else.
What's more I think that slavery analogy is complete bullshit. Black slaves were used because of availability, not because of a conscious decision to restrict rights. Don't forget that whites weren't the only ones to buy black slaves from black slavers, and nor were all slaves black even in the west. The argument "for" slavery is that they were sold as slaves, and actually in the US you could even frame it as religious people freeing slaves if you really wanted to...
Originally Posted by
Kyure
"Brainwashing by pro-gay influences" is just laughable. Tons of people grow up in areas where you are specifically taught that it is wrong to be gay, and end up being gay anyways. Someone's sexuality isn't your business, and everyone deserves the same basic rights, regardless of their sexuality or race.
Again, I don't think that is true. Children are easily influenced, I recommend you read up on the topic before forming an opinion:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_p...nd_gender_role There is little study done in the area.
Originally Posted by
WeooWeoo
Whether someone who is gay accepts it or doesn't. They don't have a choice. Doctors referred to homosexuality as a disease when it came to scientific diagnosis until the 1970's. But is no longer viewed that way.
There is no proof of it being genetic, being born that way, or how you were raised. So no one can say for certain. Which is why this whole discussion will turn religious, and not the best.
I honestly don't know. But i sure as hell know homosexuality isn't a choice. That is all.
If there's no evidence yet you are sure, then you are exhibiting confirmation bias of the highest order.
But let's take your argument for a second and look at it, why are you so sure that homosexuality isn't a choice in lieu of evidence? Actually, why are pro-LGBT supporters so sure of it? It seems to me they are trying to eschew responsibility. If it's not a choice, if it was determined by God, then they don't have to own it, they don't have to answer to anyone. Why does this even matter? Why do they not want to be responsible for their own sexual fetishes? I would say that many LGBT have a persecution complex or are simply immature. Instead of just saying "yeah I like people of the same sex, so what?" they have to make excuses. This is a lot more worrying and important than nature vs nurture.
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Originally Posted by
Kyure
I'd disagree entirely with this. Stereotypes exist for a reason, and 'gaydar' does kind of exist. Is it accurate 100% of time? Of course not. But more often than not, I am able to tell if someone is gay. Whether it be the way the talk, or walk, or he way they dress, there are ways to know. It is stereotypical yes, but true.
That is quite a homophobic thing to say.
Sex, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation are all unique and orthogonal.
Last edited by ImmortalPig; Feb 16, 2016 at 03:03 AM.
Reason: <24 hour edit/bump