Gay Gene is a Myth

There are controversial opinions about whether the main reason for being gay is genetic. As it turns out, the gay gene is just a myth because studies can’t confirm its existence. This can be quite beneficial for those who don’t accept and understand the LGBTQ community and desperately try to “convert” gay people to straight. However, although there is no specific “gay gene,” researchers have proven that some genetic variations can influence one’s sexual behavior. Queer people usually don’t pay much attention to science. They think it can’t tell what is obvious – that lesbians, gays, and bisexuals are who they are and only showing species diversity. In most cases, people with gay orientation feel something is different and realize they are gay in their teenage years. For those feeling confused, trying out gay teenage dating apps and connecting with like-minded individuals can be helpful.

Studies on the Topic

As mentioned, gay people’s genetic predisposition has always been a subject of heated discussions. That is why there was a large study in 2019, lead by a geneticist at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard in Cambridge named Andrea Ganna. Actually, it was the biggest study to date that concerned sexuality’s genetic basis and same-sexual behavior. Nearly half a million people were interviewed, and the results confirmed the suspicions of most scientists. According to the study, sexual preferences have a genetic component, but there is no special gene, which might hugely affect one’s sexual behavior. It also revealed five genetic spots that could be linked to same-sex preferences, but they aren’t reliable enough to be used as a prediction of people’s sexuality.

The analysis of the study showed that genetic factors could explain 25% of sexual behavior. The rest was influenced by cultural and environmental factors. Smaller studies also had similar findings concerning the genetic influence. The results from this study were reviewed by other specialists as well. The topic caught the attention of Melinda Mills – a sociologist from the University of Oxford, studying reproductive behaviors and their genetic basis. In the end, all scientists agreed on the fact that human sexuality is very complex and not fully dependent on genetic causes. There might be some genetic variants associated with same-sex attractions, but they can’t predict one’s orientation.

What Really Causes Sexual Orientation?

It’s hard to tell why someone is gay, straight, lesbian, bisexual. Although it’s proven sexual orientation is partly caused by genetic factors, it could be a subject of external influence. But let’s be clear that you can’t just “turn a person gay,” as some folks often say. In fact, people don’t wake up one day and decide they are gay. And neither therapy nor persuasion can change their sexual orientation. Everyone starts to become aware of who they are attracted to at a young age, sometimes even before puberty. But keep in mind, despite genetic predispositions, sexual attractions and desires can shift throughout your life. For example, if you experience trauma and end up hurt and devastated, you might look for solace in someone of the same sex at some point. Genetic factors are a major part of the formation of people’s sexual orientation, and there is no doubt. But what really causes sexual orientation is a mixture of genetic and environmental factors.

To explain it more precisely, let’s break down some terms related to sexual behavior and orientation. Gender identity is how a person feels inside and how he or she expresses these feelings through talking, dressing, etc. Sexual attraction represents the sexual and romantic feelings people have for others. Sexual identity is how they label themselves- straight, gay, bi, queer, and genetic factors do not cause it by all means. And finally, sexual behavior is what kind of sex you like and who you do it with. These things don’t line up every time, so it’s difficult to understand the whole concept of sexual orientation.

Conclusion

We can’t say that being gay is only caused by genetic factors. As the largest study on the topic has shown, no “gay gene” is strictly identified. Yes, biological factors can influence one’s sexuality somehow, but we shouldn’t mistake them for gay people’s feelings, desires, and labeling. We can tolerate gays and all other LGBTQ people and respect their choices, attractions, and lifestyle.

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