Are people born gay or is it a free choice?

[.Joshua.]

Are people born gay or is it a free choice?

So, the questions are;

- Are people born homosexual, or is it a free choice?

- Why are people homophobic, are they hiding their own sexuality?

- Is it socially acceptable to be homosexual?

[Remember, this is your opinion!]

Homosexuality was illegal in the UK until 1967. it was made legal when parliament passes the law "Sexual Offences Act 1967". Just thought i'd add that.

Also in many countries, e.g. Pakistan, homosexuality is still illegal, hence why in Eastenders, Syed, doesn't want to return to Pakistan, because of his sexuality. Just though i'd add that too.

Alough the Bible says that sexual intercourse was made for procreation (the making of new life) that's why Catholics are against contraception and homosexuality.

Thread moved by Lee (Forum Moderator): From 'Health, Life and Relationships'.

[Samantha]

I think everyone could be born with tendancies to like the other sex but I also think it's activities and events in your life that would influence you more, people online may get those urges more than those who aren't online all the time if that makes sense. I feel you're more pressured in educational places such as school and colleges to be heterosexual instead of homosexual and that you can't really be sure (in some cases) until that milestone has ended (I know in cases too you can be sure as it takes everyone a different time frame to decide).

I'm not sure why people are homophobic, they may not be used to someone of another sexuality therefore unsure what to think or do. I remember when my friend told me she was bisexual about 3-4 years ago I was scared, not because I was against it but I just hadn't known anyone who put that much trust in me and she was the first one to tell me about her sexuality. Luckily, the scaredness ended after a couple of days and that could be why some people are homophobic too; I think there are many reasons and only you may know why you feel like that or you may not know at all.

I find it perfectly acceptable to be homosexual, others may disagree and think it goes against so and so but you can't help who you like really, it doesn't matter if it's a person of the same sex - you can adopt so really you can 'procreate' as you are giving that child a second chance at live aren't you?

[Empired]

I reckon being gay depends partly on your genes, how you were brought up, your personal (although often subconscious) choice and the environment you're in.
Having it in your genes is technically being "born gay", but I think other things in life can change your sexuality (especially as a young child, although you don't realise anything yet) a lot. If you're brought up to despise homosexuals, then you are much less likely to become one. However it would seem people with gay parents are less likely to become gay too. Don't really know the reason for this :S Something to do with wanting to be brought up "normally" or something? (Just a guess.)
The environment you are in means like there are some countries/towns/communities with more gay couples than others. If you are in one of these environments, you're more likely to accept or at least get used to seeing a gay couple rather than someone who has never even had the idea cross their mind because if you haven't seen it, why would you think of it?
Your personal choice is obviously affected by all of these things, but there's still a little bit down to you too

I definitely don't believe all homophobic people are this way because they are hiding their own sexuality. I think most of them just struggle to deal with the idea of people being "different" and many religious people disagree with gay couples because it's been forbidden in their Holy Books. Also, as Samanfa said, lots of people are afraid of somebody who is brave enough to stand out and be different!

Of course it's "socially acceptable" to be openly gay! In my opinion, that's like asking "is it socially acceptable to be bald". If you want to be something, nobody should be allowed to stop you. Every human has the right to make their own choice about life and, to be honest, I don't see why so many people get upset. Homosexuals are almost always more peaceful than those fighting for gay marriage to be banned. They get on with their lives like ordinary people because they are ordinary people. Why should your sexuality influence what jobs you can get or who wants to be your friend or where you can stay with your partner on holiday? It shouldn't!

[MKR&*42]

I think for the majority of it, it is down to the way you are born. You cannot suddenly decide at 30 "Oh I'm going to be gay". I think the only exception to when changing of sexuality is 'acceptable' is in the adolescent/young adult years. Because a lot of people are going to grow up and realise where their romantic/sexual feelings are truly heading towards (gender wise). Although there will be a rare occurrence when an adult truly realises their sexuality in such a stage at life, it is more likely to occur in teenage/young adult years.

Hm. I'm not sure if you're environment affects your sexuality. Don't get me wrong, I grew up literally surrounded by women and a lot of my friends are women, which is probably led to my "camp" personality lol (I am extremely effeminate irl haha) but I don't believe that influenced my sexuality in any way, shape or form. If anything I'm a lot more likely to lean towards men romantically than women which should have been the opposite if I was raised up around a lot of women? No?.

I believe that unless somehow you are "brainwashed" (not literally... I suppose) from your years of being a child into believing that you should be gay/bi/les whatever, that it is entirely by birth. A lot of masculine, straight men hang around with other men as they grow up through the teenage years and most of them 'claim' to be straight. I suppose it's a difficult situation because they may find it hard to 'come out' to other masculine men if they really are homosexual.

As for the online world, whether that has an impact. Hm. I don't know tbh.

I'm not sure why people are homophobic. 'Tis like asking why is someone a racist, why is someone sexist etc. Everyone has their reasons and they probably do have intense dislike towards people who are gay because maybe they have a fear of becoming like that? Not entirely sure. But I did have a homophobic friend (which is honestly one of the worst things I've had haha, bi + homophobic friend did not work out for me) and his reasoning behind being homophobic was that he had such a fear of gay men touching him up/coming onto him. Which ngl, is a fair reason.

Yes it's socially acceptable to be homosexual. Compared to about 100 years ago, the whole issue of being gay/bi/les whatever is a lot lot lot smaller. It's improved dramatically. It just seems to be a struggle in state schools though haha. Which is why many men I've asked haven't come out until they were 16/17 (out of school)

[Cerys]

I think the main factor is how you were brought up. Eg if you're a boy brought up to do tap dancing or something, then the chances are you'll end up gay.
I personally believe that homophobia is also partially how you were brought up. Parents teach kids loads without actually realising it. I think it's also due to them being uncomfortable around gay people. Perhaps because they are in denial themselves, or because the gay people are happier than the homophobic person, so they're jealous.
Apparantly there's some sort of gay gene that scienctists are investigating. Not too sure if they've proved/disproved this yet, but I'd be interested to find out!
Of course it's acceptable to be homosexual. If it makes you happy, then who really cares? If people judge you for being homosexual, then skrew them, is what I say!

[Empired]

I think the main factor is how you were brought up. Eg if you're a boy brought up to do tap dancing or something, then the chances are you'll end up gay.

I'm sorry, I fail to see how doing tap dance when you're male automatically makes you gay.

Are all female footballers lesbians?

[Cerys]

I'm sorry, I fail to see how doing tap dance when you're male automatically makes you gay.

Are all female footballers lesbians?

Note the 'Chances' Ok? What I am saying is, the way you're brought up effects it. Is this okay with you?

+ I clearly remember I told you not to talk to me.

[Empired]

Note the 'Chances' Ok? What I am saying is, the way you're brought up effects it. Is this okay with you?

+ I clearly remember I told you not to talk to me.

Tap dancing has nothing to do with sexuality and I'm not really sure how you managed to get to that conclusion to be honest. Before stating 'chances', I suggest you make sure there is at least a little bit of truth behind it. That would be okay for me.

[Cerys]

I clearly remember I told you not to talk to me.

just so you've definitely seen it xox

Edited by Sky (Forum Moderator): Please don't post pointlessly!

[dbgtz]

In my opinion, you are not born or nor is it a free choice. It depends on a persons environment & their nurture.