Same-Sex Sexuality, Biology and Social Responses - Essay Example

Same-Sex Sexuality, Biology and Social Responses Same-Sex Sexuality, Biology and Social Responses Charles Darwin’s theoryof sexual selection has been hotly debated over the past few decades (The Economist, 2003). Darwin was of the point of view that sexual orientation cannot exist. However, advances in technology have made it possible to research the existence of homosexuality. Extensive research conducted to understand the patterns of human behavior has resulted in several breakthroughs in the field of sexuality. Homosexuality exists, although there is a diverse social response to it, and it is now being theorized that it has a biological link. This paper explores the existence of homosexuality and how sexuality and biology are related. The paper reviews the scientific discoveries that have been made on the occurrence of homosexuality in a person’s genes. The paper also discusses the negative responses of the society towards homosexuality and their effects on gay and lesbian people. Darwin denied the existence of same-sex behavior amongst humans. Arguing on scientific grounds, he observed that the reason for copulation is that transfer of sperms takes place and an offspring is produced. If the nature follows such rules for mating, then it is not possible for homosexuality to exist since copulation between the same-sex cannot produce offspring (Roughgarden, 2004, p.127). Opponents of the existence of homosexuality adhere to the point of view that homosexuality is a result of some error or a deceitful trick. Until 1973, homosexuality was regarded as a sexual disorder and was a part of DSM (Kring, Johnson, Davison & Neale, 2009). However, homosexuality was removed as an official mental disorder due to the pressure from the gay community and psychiatrists (Rosario, 2002, p. 1). Proponents of the topic argue that copulation and reproduction are two different concepts (Roughgarden, 2004, p.127). Research has shown that copulation is not only needed for the purpose of breeding, but it also essential for the satisfaction of the sexual needs of the people and to deal with their relationships. This has been proved by studying the sexual needs of both men and women. Women prefer the fostering of a close relationship with a man before having intercourse with him (EastWest Institute, 2010). Therefore, if copulation serves a purpose beyond the biological needs of men and women, then it can be said that reproduction is not limited to mating, and Darwin’s theory can thus be proved false. Sexual behaviors offer sexual pleasure, both with and without the chances of procreation (Crooks & Baur, 2007, p. 9). Homosexuality has been observed in over 450 different vertebrate relationships. According to Lehrer (2006), same-sex sexuality, although subject to a lot of debate over its existence in the centuries, is normal and a fact of life. Homosexual patterns have been observed in male big horn sheep. These sheep live in groups which are called homosexual societies. The sheep practice anal licking and genital licking- acts that are regarded as bonding behaviors. These acts often culminate in ejaculation. If one of male sheep do not indulge in such gay acts, it is likely to become a social outcast. Such straight-laced males have been termed as effeminate by scientists (Lehrer, 2006). Homosexual behaviors have been observed in giraffes as well. Various researchers are of the perception that there is a biological factor associated with the etiology of homosexuality. However, sufficient empirical evidence has not been collected to establish this fact. The research studies conducted in the past had not taken brain functions with respect to behavior into account when studying homosexual behavior. However, the topic is now getting increased attention from biologists. In a research carried out to find out the link between biology and homosexuality, neuropsychological testing was carried out on a group of 32 homosexual women. The results of the study showed that there was an increased frequency of left-hand preference. Another study conducted on 38 homosexual men also showed an increased incidence of non-consistent right-hand preference. From such studies, it can be deduced that there is a neurobiological aspect attached to the development of sexual orientation towards the same sex and can possibly be linked to hemispheric functional asymmetry (“Homosexuality,” 2010).  The existence of homosexuality has been established and research is now being focused on how sexual orientation changes from heterosexual people to homosexual people. Sexual orientation is continuous in character, with people showing same-sex attractions to various intensities (Hull & Ruse, 2007, p. 292). US researchers have found evidence that homosexuality can have a link to genetics (McClatchy newspapers 2008). Research has found a trend that most gay men, in contrast to normal men, are left-handed, younger siblings of older brothers and have hair which curls in a counterclockwise direction. US researchers have hypothesized that there are common biological qualities in gay men, which substantiates the notion that sexual orientation can be inherent and present in the gay community since birth. Moreover, it is the genetic and environmental factors that influence the development of a person’s sexual preferences after he is born (McClatchy newspapers, 2008). One of the earliest, most successful researches to be conducted on homosexuality was documented in 1993. The research investigated the family traits in families where there was an increased incidence of homosexuality. The researchers aimed to find out genetic patterns of the inheritance of homosexuality. After studying gay men extensively, the findings showed that most of the homosexual cases occurred on the maternal side of the family. This information helped the researchers to conclude that there is a homosexual gene that can be transferred from mother to son. Heterosexual females are carriers of the gene; however when this gene is transferred to their sons, there is an increased probability that the son will be gay. Although the study failed to provide established genetic concepts for such trends, it did show that a relation exists between genetics and homosexuality (Newman, 2008). However, Gunter Domer, the pioneer of research into sexual studies, was of the view that “homosexuals are born, not made” (Cecco & Parker, 1995, p. 3). The question of whether people are born gay or is it a choice is answered from differing perspectives by Conservatives and Liberals (Deem, 2010). For over 2000 years, Christianity continued to affect the attitudes towards same-sex relationships (Giddens & Griffiths, 2006, p. 443). Conservatives are of the view that sexual orientation is in fact sexual preference. The usage of the word preference implies that homosexuality is a choice. On the contrary, Liberals support the notion that sexual attraction is not a preference, but is actually an orientation; something that defines the person and is not determined by personal choices. The research conducted on the biological dimension of homosexuality in divided into four main categories. The evidence can be grouped into differences in the brain structure, possible hormonal influences, concordance of homosexuality in twins and concordance of genetic markers in siblings (Deem, 2010). Recent research also shows that gay and straight men show different reactions to smells, which may further contribute to the genetic link associated with homosexuality (Neff, 2005, p. 34). However, it should be noted that the genetic basis of homosexuality has not been studied in extensive detail to theorize absolutely that homosexual orientation is determined by biological factors. When initial evidence for the biological basis was documented, the issue was given a lot of publicity in the media. Finding out whether there is a biological basis to homosexuality is important for the formation of laws regarding gay and lesbian people. There are a number of countries in the world where homosexuality is not acceptable. If the connection between homosexuality and biology is confirmed, then laws should be changed to give equal rights to the homosexual community. Sexual attraction originates in the brain. Researches that have studied the anatomical differences in the brains of men and women have found out that there is sexual dimorphism in the pre-optic region of the hypothalamus; males have twice the number of cells, with twice the size, than females (Swaab & Fliers, 1985). Moreover, there are differences in the Interstitial Nuclei of the Anterior Hypothalamus (INAH); two of them are larger in males than in females (Allen, Hyines, Shryne & Gorski, 1989). Sexual dimorphism is governed by the INAH, amongst other centers in the brain. Therefore it was suggested by Simon LeVay that the INAH can play a role in the development of different sexual orientation in the homosexual community (Deem, 2010). However, the perimeters that Levay chose to evidence the study proved to be flawed and the findings were discarded. In another study conducted by Allen and Gorski, it was found out that there were differences in the size of the anterior commissure of the brain in males and females; the findings suggested that the heterosexual males had a smaller anterior commissure than females and homosexual males (Bishop & Wahlsten, 1997). However, when the same study was carried using a larger group, the results did not match the earlier findings and it anatomical differences could not be established. Roughgarden (2004, p. 246) states that the INAH3 can be one of the main organs of the brain that can play a role in the development of different sexual orientation. Besides the INAH3, there are three other rice grains that are present in the pre optic/hypothalamus region of the brain. These grains are SDN-POA, BSTc, and VIP-SCN. The characteristic of these grains is that their structure varies from males to females. The VIP-SCN has been shown to support maximally the differences in sexual orientation in males. Results have shown that the VIP-SCN grain is homosexual males is larger in size than those found in straight men and females. In fact, gay men have 2.1 times as many cells as straight men in their VIP-SCN. These differences have helped to substantiate the view that homosexual men do not have brains similar to females and straight men. Differences in lesbian and straight women have also been documented. According to Roughgarden (2004, p. 246), lesbian and bisexual women generate lesser clicking sounds in their ears than normal women. Thus, Roughgarden (2004, p. 246) asserts that differences in grain sizes are indicative of variations in the sexual orientation and gender differences. Piñón (2002, p. 482) states that although social and familial factors have a direct effect on the development of sexual orientation in men and women, there is a “prevailing scientific view” that it is primarily “genetic (biological) in origin”. Earlier it was believed that differences in sexual orientation may be a result of differences in the level of production and regulation of hormones. However the notion has been dispelled because research has shown that there are no differences in the endocrinology of straight and gay men (Piñón, 2002, p. 483). It was believed that same-sex sexuality originates from inverted gender discrepancies (Rudman & Glick, 2008, p. 174). Although endocrinology may not have proven to contribute to the development of sexual orientation, there is a role of early childhood and other social factors which influence the adult orientation of the child. Studies conducted on gender-role nonconformity have shown that boys who show cross-gender traits and behave more like girls of their age had greater chances of turning out to be gay when they grew up (Carroll, 2009, p. 286). Sigmund Freud was of the view that channels that instill the view in children that same-sex relationships are socially acceptable contribute to the development of sexual orientation towards the same sex in children (Mottier,2008, p. 47). Despite the increasing evidence that is becoming available that same-sex sexuality can be related to genetic causes, there is a lot of negative attitudes and stereotyping against it. Same-sex relationships are not accepted in some states in the US. The lack of legal acceptance has an impact on the interaction and associated behaviors of the same-sex couples. It has been seen that lesbian and gay baby boomers who reside in states that do not give legal acceptance to same-sex couples are more prepared regarding end-of-life documents and other related stuff as compared to those couples who are living in states that recognize same-sex relationships. Also, lesbian and gay people in states that do not recognize same-sex sexuality are more concerned about life and later life issues. Such an attitude stems from the fear and anxiety that are felt by gay and lesbian people in states that do not recognize same-sex relationships, since these people feel that they are not cared for. The lack of recognition culminates in second-class citizenship and the pressure arising from such unwelcome status (SF State News, 2009). Not encouraging sexuality in same-sex people can influence the overall well-being of the individuals. In a research study conducted on the development of gay identities in an abstinence-only sex education environment, same-sex youth who were provided with abstinence-only education were interviewed. It was found out that attitudes discouraging sexuality result in isolation, alienation and exclusion (Fisher, 2006). Justin Jones (2005), a graduate working on the issues of health policy, sexual orientation and social justice, is of the view that in order to advance culturally, steps should be taken to eliminate the misconceptions, falsehoods and prejudices that are rampant in the society towards same-sex sexuality. It has been found out that laws in states not allowing same-sex marriages result in discrimination, strain, pressure and a lessening in the value of the relationship of same-sex couples. Gay and lesbian people end up feeling minority stress, the psychological impact of being continuously marginalized. Over long periods of time, unmarried same-sex couples are subject to drawn-out responses to trauma (Moskowitz & Itelson, 2006). Sexual behavior has been under discussion since a very long time (Bruess & Greenberg, 2008, p.137). For long, discussion of sexual matters was considered to be shameful, particularly of sexual orientation (Foucault, 1980). Over the time, sexual behavior has surpassed different time periods, ethnic differences and religious affiliations. Despite the pervasive nature of the attitude, sexual behavior is curtailed due to an array of reasons related to cultural norms and public ethics (Valle, n.d.).Dave Lefebvre, co-director of the Educational and Referral Organization for Sexuality (EROS) at SFSU, is of the viewpoint that in some states of the country, the laws that are enforced for limiting “different behavior” have focused on the prohibiting non-reproductive sex (Valle, n.d.). This may include oral and anal sex. As a result, Dave Lefebvre observes that issues related to religion and other sexual matters like contraception emerge, since they promote the view that sex is only for the purpose of pleasure. When talking of deviant sexual behavior, one needs to take into consideration necrophilia, bestiality and pedophilia; globally, laws regard such sexual activities to be illegal (ChattahBox, 2009). However, same-sex behavior is accepted by the society but it is not accepted by the law. In fact, in Missouri, sodomy is illegal and same-sex practices are equivalent to a class A misdemeanor (“Law and Government,” 2010). In conclusion, one can deduce that homosexuality does exist; in fact in the US, 2 to 7% of the population is homosexual (Knox & Schacht, 2009, p. 246). Recent research shows that there is a biological basis to the development of sexual orientation. The brains of homosexuals show that they are different from those of straight people. However despite the fact that homosexuality exists and the increasing evidence that shows its biological basis, many states of the US and several countries have laws against same-sex relationships. Such laws put excessive pressure on homosexuals. Deem (2010) argues that if homosexuality does have a biological basis and is not determined by choice, then the government must repeal anti-homosexuality laws and take efforts to protect and advance the interests of the homosexual community. Reference List Allen, L.S., Hines, M., Shryne, J. E., & Gorski, R. A. (1989). Two sexually dimorphic cell groups in the human brain. Journal of Neuroscience (9), 497-506. Bishop, K. M., & Wahlsten, D. (1997). Sex Differences in the Human Corpus Callosum: Myth or Reality? Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews (21), 581-601. Bruess, C. E., & Greenberg, J. S. (2008). Sexuality Education: Theory and Practice (5th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning. Carroll, J. L. (2009). Sexuality Now: Embracing Diversity (3rd ed.). Cengage Learning. Cecco, J. P. D. & Parker, D. A. (1995). Sex, cells, and same-sex desire: the biology of sexual preference, Volume 28, Issues 1-2. Routledge. ChattahBox. (2009). GOP Rep. Gohmert Unleashed: Necrophilia and Pedophilia and Bestiality! Oh My! Retrieved from http://chattahbox.com/us/2009/10/07/gop-rep-gohmert-unleashed-necrophilia-and-pedophilia-and-bestiality-oh-my/ Crooks, R., & Baur, K. (2007). Our Sexuality. Cengage Learning. Deem, R. (2010). Genetics and Homosexuality: Are People Born Gay? The Biological Basis for Sexual Orientation. Retrieved from http://www.godandscience.org/evolution/genetics_of_homosexuality.html EastWest Institute. (2010). A Quick History Lesson About Men, Status, and Relationships. Retrieved from http://whatwewomenwant.org/dating_women_survival.html Fisher, C. M. (2006). Master of Arts Graduate Conference. Retrieved from http://hmsx.sfsu.edu/graduate%20program/grad_conference.htm Foucault, M. (1980). Introduction. Retrieved from http://online.sfsu.edu/~theory/Essays/FOUCAULT.pdf Giddens, A. & Griffiths, S. (2006). Sociology (5th ed.). Polity. Homosexuality (2010). Retrieved from http://www.neoteny.org/2010/01/28/homosexuality/ Hull, D. L., & Ruse, M. (2007). The Cambridge companion to the philosophy of biology. Cambridge University Press. Jones, J. (2005). 2005 COHORT. Retrieved from http://hmsx.sfsu.edu/graduate%20students/Graduate%20Students%2005.html Knox, D., & Schacht, C. (2009). Choices in Relationships: An Introduction to Marriage and the Family (10th ed.). Cengage Learning. Kring, A., Johnson, S., Davison, G. C. & Neale, J. M. (2009). Abnormal Psychology (11th ed.). John Wiley and Sons. Law and Government of Missouri. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.wordiq.com/definition/Law_and_Government_of_Missouri Lehrer, J. (2006). The effeminate sheep and other problems with Darwinian sexual selection. Retrieved from http://seedmagazine.com/content/article/the_gay_animal_kingdom/ McClatchy newspapers. (2008). US researchers find evidence that homosexuality linked to genetics. Retrieved from http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/dec/01/homosexuality-genetics-usa Moskowitz, G. & Itelson, M. (2006). Same-sex marriage: a mental health issue. Retrieved from http://www.sfsu.edu/~news/2006/spring/40.htm Mottier, V. (2008). Sexuality: a very short introduction. Oxford University Press, Neff, L. (2005). Scent Sexual. The Advocate (942), 34. Newman, D. (2008). The Genetics of Homosexuality. Retrieved from http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/1925 Piñón, R. (2002). Biology of human reproduction. University Science Books. Rosario, V. A. (2002). Homosexuality and science: a guide to the debates. ABC-CLIO. Rudman, L. A. & Glick, P. (2008). The social psychology of gender: how power and intimacy shape gender relations. Guilford Press. SF State News. (2009). Marriages effect on lesbian and gay couples studied. Retrieved from http://chhsweb.sfsu.edu/pdfs/2009SPR25.pdf Swaab, D. F. & Fliers, E. (1985). A sexually dimorphic nucleus in the human brain. Science (228), 1112-1115. The Economist. (2003). Sex and the Single Monkey. Retrieved from http://www.economist.com/node/1591970?story_id=1591970 Valle, I. (n.d.). Sex and the Law. Retrieved from http://www.journalism.sfsu.edu/flux/gSpot/sexLaw.html Read More