Random Thoughts - Is being gay evolution at work?

[Austinka]

A thought came across my mind last night that I'm curious to hear your thoughts about.  I believe that being gay is biological - it's something we are born with, not a choice.  In other words, I believe in a "gay gene".  Last night I thought, what if being gay is a biological evolution of man?

In animals that have sex, a "gay gene" would have been weeded out by natural selection.  If the animal was unable to reproduce by mating with the opposite gender, then the "gay gene" would have died.  However, with man, we have somewhat over come natural selection.

With our technology, gay couples can have children via donated sperm or egg.  This allows passing on of a "gay gene".  Also, those born with the "gay gene" can find a partner and thrive.  They don't have to fake an attraction to the opposite sex just to mate.

What do you think?  Am I on to something or just nuts?

[debbie1972]

Jan. 23, 2008 at 4:08 PM   I too believe there is a "gay gene"...I guess the evolutionary thing never crossed my mind..maybe you are on to something

[suzyberenguer]

Jan. 23, 2008 at 4:25 PM I have always believed that the 'gay gene' was natures way of reducing the population. I have read some studies on the biology of gay- I'll post back when I find them!

[dzsteph]

Jan. 23, 2008 at 4:40 PM That's an interesting theory.  I'm in agreement that it's biological, certainly not a choice.  A form of natural selection, I'm not so sure.  Because they can't actively reproduce without help, I would think that maybe it is a form of NS against them, as suzyberenguer points out.  Either way it's a great topic!

[krisr169]

Jan. 23, 2008 at 5:58 PM Very interesting!  I agree with Suzy, I've been hearing that a lot lately.

[athimom]

Jan. 23, 2008 at 7:24 PM I agree very intersting. I think you ladies are on to something. Now we just need the stupid bureaucratic system to realize that there are all these great kids that need a home and all of these great people that would love to provide one for them and voila we might just make Mother Nature happy and she would do something about extreme global weather patterns.  Its not nice to piss off Mother Nature.

[JoyeAustin]

Jan. 23, 2008 at 8:23 PM Biologically, being homosexual doesn't make much sense because it does not further the species by producing more young. It does seem with society's progressive changes, being gay is more common because that element of natural selection, as you say, is overcome. There are homosexual relationships seen in the animal world, but not nearly as frequently as in humans. Realistically, it is not in the best interest of a species to have a high concentration of homosexuality. Cuts down on baby-making. So perhaps it really is a natural population control mechanism.

[ithi]

Jan. 24, 2008 at 8:31 AM

That made me think.  Well, if there is in fact a gay gene, what if its coming forward now more than in the past that perhaps natural selection is saying, "HOLD ON ALL YOU HUMANS!  There is just wayyyyy to many of you running around and no predators to keep your numbers under control.  So I, myself Natural Selection has decided that you will mate, just not be able to make more of you selfish bastards and crowd up my planet any more than you have already."

It's early, I should still be in bed nursing this head-cold.

[ithi]

Jan. 24, 2008 at 8:44 AM *note to self, read all comments before putting down your own*