Study Seeks Clues To Homosexuality

1,000 Gay Brothers And Relatives Participate In Study Seeking Genetic Clues

(AP)  Julio and Mauricio Cabrera are gay brothers who are convinced their sexual orientation is as deeply rooted as their Mexican ancestry.

They are among 1,000 pairs of gay brothers taking part in the largest study to date seeking genes that may influence whether people are gay. The Cabreras hope the findings will help silence critics who say homosexuality is an immoral choice.

If fresh evidence is found suggesting genes are involved, perhaps homosexuality will be viewed as no different than other genetic traits like height and hair color, said Julio, a student at DePaul University in Chicago.

Adds his brother, "I think it would help a lot of folks understand us better."

The federally funded study, led by Chicago area researchers, will rely on blood or saliva samples to help scientists search for genetic clues to the origins of homosexuality. Parents and straight brothers also are being recruited.

While initial results are not expected until next year - and will not provide a final answer - skeptics are already attacking the methods and disputing the presumed results.

Previous studies have shown that sexual orientation tends to cluster in families, though that does not prove genetics is involved. Extended families may share similar child-rearing practices, religion and other beliefs that could also influence sexual orientation.

Research involving identical twins, often used to study genetics since they share the same DNA, has had mixed results.

One widely cited study in the 1990s found that if one member of a pair of identical twins was gay, the other had a 52 percent chance of being gay. In contrast, the result for pairs of non-twin brothers, was 9 percent. A 2000 study of Australian identical twins found a much lower chance.

Dr. Alan Sanders of Evanston Northwestern Healthcare Research Institute, the lead researcher of the new study, said he suspects there is not one so-called "gay gene."

It is more likely there are several genes that interact with nongenetic factors, including psychological and social influences, to determine sexual orientation, said Sanders, a psychiatrist.

Still, he said, "If there's one gene that makes a sizable contribution, we have a pretty good chance" of finding it.

Many gays fear that if gay genes are identified, it could result in discrimination, prenatal testing and even abortions to eliminate homosexuals, said Joel Ginsberg of the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association.

However, he added, "If we confirm that sexual orientation is an immutable characteristic, we are much more likely to get the courts to rule against discrimination."

There is less research on lesbians, Sanders said, although some studies suggest that male and female sexual orientation may have different genetic influences.

His new research is an attempt to duplicate and expand on a study published in 1993 involving 40 pairs of gay brothers. That hotly-debated study, wrongly touted as locating "the gay gene," found that gay brothers shared genetic markers in a region on the X chromosome, which men inherit from their mothers.

[mitywhity]

Genetic? So that would mean that EVERY set of identical twins would result in them both being gay right? Then why is that not the case? They both share the EXACT same genetic material - how could one be gay and the other not if it is a purely genetic condition? Just asking, if you know why then let me know. No, I do not buy the genetic theory personally. But I would like to hear a plausible explanation for the twins queation.

[yohnvilson]

Twins don''t share fingerprints, so not everything has to be either free choice or genetic inevitability, there''s plenty of stuff in between. Anyway David Cross made the obvious point: if being gay is a choice, WHY ON EARTH would someone purposely choose it? Just to annoy Republicans? Do you think they really like being an oppressed minority? And even if it WERE a choice, how would that justify discriminating against them? Being a born-again Christian is definitely a choice, does that mean it''s OK to discrimate against those folks?

[michellem99-2009]

I don''t buy that study..It is crazy..there is 2 ganders male and female..not asexual..

[kansas1946]

No, I do not buy the genetic theory personally. But I would like to hear a plausible explanation for the twins question. Posted by MityWhity
********************************
I think that is why they are doing the study.

[kansas1946]

Skeptics include Stanton Jones, a psychology professor and provost at conservative Christian school Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. An evangelical Christian, Jones last month announced results of a study he co-authored that says it is possible for *** to "convert," changing their sexual orientation without harm.
*******************************************

LOL. What a surprise. An evangelical Christian. Like he doesn''t have his own "agenda." These guys just kill me. Are there any heterosexuals reading this board that think they could "convert" without harm. If these guys weren''t so dangerous, they would be laughable.

[grammawhamma]

My son-in-law has an identical twin. They were both raised together and the same. They are mirror images of each other. One has a mole on his left cheek and the other has a mole on his right cheek. Their voices are the same etc. But they have totally different personalities. One got into drugs and turned to crime... the other is very law abiding. So...does this mean the drugs made the one bad or is it because they are mirror images of each other? I think alot more studies should be done on identical twins. I find the subject very fasinating.

As for ***...I don''t know why they are so hated by straight people. They aren''t doing any harm to you...leave them alone.

[gmond]

testing - gay, homosexual, lesbian, queer

[gmond]

the board still bans the use of *** but not queers?

[rudy654-2009]

I think it is silly to try and make orientation out to be a matter of choice. Society at large puts out an image that is present with us from the day we are born, and it is one everyone, including ***, tries to fit into at first. The pressure to conform is immense. To say it is a matter of choice is ridiculous because who would choose to be singled out and ridiculed just because? No, it is much more complicated than that. I do not personally believe it is about genetics, but instead hormonal fluctuations experienced prenatally. Experiments in animals have already shown that when stress was a factor, hormonal fluctuations in the mother affected the orientation of the offspring. And for those of you ignorant enough to immediately associate this with pedophilia, you should learn that pedophilia, like rape and other such crimes, deals with a whole other kind of psychology. It is why such individuals are just as likely to be hetero than anything else. Or, are you forgetting all those female teachers with husbands, who have been out there with young students as young as 13 years of age? Whatever you believe, it is time to check the facts and your prejudices.

[dennis7891]

We must not forget that homosexual behavior is voluntary. Homosexual feelings are not.
If genetics is found to play a role in the development of a homosexual orientation, then we must see it in the same light as we do the development of schizophrenia or diabetes: something to be treated and ultimately prevented.

[cs4466]

We must not forget that bigotry is a voluntary behaviour. It should be treated by compassion and love and, ultimately, prevented.

[hawkeye1776]

I personally don''t think they will find a gene. I do think it is a choice. As to why someone would choose homosexuality even though it is so looked down upon, that''s an easy one. If something is enjoyable enough or you feel you have to have it, you will do it even when it is looked down on. It is not against the law, and people will break that if they want the object in view bad enough. If it''s not against the law, and a someone finds the homosexual activity and/or lifestyle enjoyable, the fact they will be looked down upon will not stop him/her. As to why some people are drawn to homosexuality and others are not, I think there are two factors. 1) Psychological factors - past experiences, views, etc, 2) The that everyone is drawn to something that is forbidden, for some that is homosexuality.

[jankebenz]

The bible tells us why people become perverted , and it has nothing to do with genetics.Read about it in the 1st chapter of Romans and discover what really causes so much deviancy.

[hawkeye1776]

Woops, overlooked someone else''s comment. Not all heterosexual people hate homosexuals. We can have an honest disagreement without hating. If I hated everyone who I believe made wrong choices I would end up hating everybody, including myself. Saying that all heterosexuals hate homosexuals is a stereotype going the opposite direction.

[lajestnix7]

I''m a born again Christian and I know and believe that homosexuality is voluntary. I know many others would disagree with that strait forward blatant opinion however it holds credibility all to itself. I%u2019ve been serving God for almost five years now, prior to that I was a flaming bi-sexual. I struggled with that for many years and tried to fight it. I couldn%u2019t change my sexual oreanatation%u2026at least until the day I bowed my knee to Jesus Christ and asked him for his divine deliverance. So when people tell me that I%u2019m a homophobe I can look them strait in the eye and tell them that I%u2019m not, because I was once there. Homosexuality is a choice and not a gene!

[grammawhamma]

Why is it anyone''s concern what happens behind closed doors between two consenting adults? Yeah, yeah, I know...the bible says...blah blah blah. Then let God be the judge in the end (no pun intended). I still don''t know why straight people (especially men) are so homophobic.

[michellem99-2009]

I was raised one way. This issus is why some states may ban those of us who can''t have children from marriage a man and woman. I don''t care if they are living in their home as same but please act yer gender and Gramma I live in Seattle and they are out and sorry I see the shape of a dress or a purse my mind said female . My room mate tell me it is a guy.
I was shocked when I saw a man dress drag and he was my foster father using my blindniss against me and abused me when his wife was in hospital. Most parents disown that behaviour. They whine to the state to make them women using state money.

[hawkeye1776]

jankebenz , While I''m a Christian and therefore do care about what the Bible says, using it as an argument to people who do not share those views it means nothing to them. Plus, the passage you mention, that is not a blanket explanation. The passage you mention talks about people who do not worship the God of the Bible doing immoral acts, homosexuality was one act amidst a flood of others, including disobedience to parents. It is not a blanket explanation, because there are many people who are not Christians who are not homosexuals. If you review that whole list, not a single person would be left out, because it pretty much covers anything immoral. But anyway, like I said, using the Bible, while I agree with you its true, in a discussion with non-Christians will not gain you much ground.

[grammawhamma]

Thank you Hawkeye. Those over zealous Christians that do nothing but throw out Bible quote after Bible quote (singingrick for example) turn many more people off then they convert. And BTW I am also a Christian.

[grammawhamma]

Michelle: Yeah, the world is much different now then when we were young. Your foster father was probably not a transvestite...he was a pedophile. He dressed that way to fool you and take advantage of your blindness. I agree S-ex change operations should be considered an elective surgery...same as plastic surgery and should not be covered by insurance.

I will stand firm on my grounds however, that two adult people that love and respect each other (regardless of their gender, race, etc) should not be judged if they are doing nothing to harm your life. Let them live their lifestyle...what does it matter to you (meaning the general public)?

[whatisit21]

sounds like phony science. They will say there is a gene if they want there to be one. *** really don''t hurt anyone but they do like to hit on the young. Sometimes I think *** just want to have special rights like black people.

[scottyusa]

lajestnix7
Your post doesn''t make sense. First you say "I couldn%u2019t change my sexual oreanatation (orientation)" then you state that homosexuality is a choice and not a gene. So now you like the opposite *** or is it no *** at all? Its important to know because you may just be abstaining or did you really change inside and now long for a sexual partner of the opposite ***? I am a heterosexual and could not change that no matter how hard I tried God or no God. If people are born homosexual then that would mean God had a hand in it because he created all things right? Was it a mistake? Did he do it on purpose? There are many reasons why the church wants us to believe it is a choice. The Bible does seem to be against homosexuality but it was written by man.

[farmerbb]

I find it sad so many people think this is a choice, rather than a natural variation in humanity. Many if not most societies over the past 2000 years have tried to stamp out homosexuality. (Usually but not always because of Abrahamic religious teachings.) By censure, and sometimes by killing the suspects. By definition, homosexuals are much less likely to father children, thereby passing on a "defective" gene, yet not only are they still here, more of them have come out of the closet. What does that leave ? It is probably a natural variation, like like red hair and freckles. So stop worrying about controlling the lives of others, and mind your own business.

[gmond]

So when will there be a study to explain why heterosexuals need children or animals or feet or rubber or leather or humiliation or domination or gender specific clothing in order to enjoy ***? Oh, that''s right, as long as they are not gay, it''s okay.

[mcvet]

So when people tell me that I%u2019m a homophobe I can look them strait in the eye and tell them that I%u2019m not, because I was once there. Homosexuality is a choice and not a gene!


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Posted by lajestnix7 at 02:46 AM : Oct 16, 2007
+ report abuse

There is a VERY big difference between a Homosexual and why you professed to be. I can''t see why ANYONE would "choose" to be homosexual? Why would they subject themselves to the kind of treatment and rejection Homosexuals suffer every day. IF I were you I''d clean up my act. You seem to have bought into the Religous Reich and it''s hatred. One look at history on such things as human rights as far as where Christian Conservatives have stood and you KNOW you are wrong. Christian Conservatives have NEVER NOT ONCE in the history of this nation been on the RIGHT side of such arguments. Sieg Heil and Amen

[hwy71so]

Its simple; its a sick mental disorder where people choose to lay with one of their own kind.

Its a choice made, there''s nothing genetic about it.

[hwy71so]

Sort of like saying drinking beer is genetic.

[hwy71so]

There''s a lot of theophobes on this site...

[jaton55]

I grew up with two boys who turned out to be gay. I remember both of them having feminine ways from the time they were very young. We called them "sissys". I do not see how either of them could have possibly chosen their sexuality at such a young age. I''m not saying homosexuality is right but I have seen for myself that not every gay person "chooses" to be gay. One of these boys told my sister once that he wished he could be straight. I''m sure some *** do decide on such a lifestyle later in life but I don''t believe it is always the case.

[slim1h2o]

Sort of like saying drinking beer is genetic.


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Posted by Hwy71So at 07:18 AM : Oct 16, 2007

It''s a known fact that chilren of alcolholics have a greater chance of becoming alcolholics themselves. That''s a proven fact! ..Morning rick

[slim1h2o]

Hi! How have you been?


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Posted by singinrick at 08:01 AM : Oct 16, 2007

Not bad, back was out, might email you. You?

[bks59]

why is it that ''straights'' are so obessed about what consenting adultas do in private, espicially homosexuals and homosexual behavior, is it because they are closeted like teh Hon. Sen. Craig? It is appalling the level of bigotry displayed in regards to s e x u a l i t y. The bigots here that are so fond of listing the foibles of others need to simply keep their hous in order.

[hwy71so]

"I find it sad so many people think this is a choice, rather than a natural variation in humanity. Many if not most societies over the past 2000 years have tried to stamp out homosexuality.

Posted by farmerbb at 06:55 AM : Oct 16, 2007"

They''ve been trying to stamp out murder, theft and rape too...

[gramto7]

The authors in the New Testament actually walked right along side God when He was on earth. The authors of the New Testament were eye-witnesses to Jesus Christ, who is Lord of Lords, and King of Kings... snip ..
Posted by singinrick at 07:43 AM

What about Paul/Saul?

[simonsez40]

George Washington and Thomas Jefferson also slept with their slaves against their will even though they were married - stop making this a moral issue its a genetic and environment issue.

I''m a preacher''s kid from a devout Christian family and I have an aunt and uncle and two cousins that are gay........as well as myself. It does definately run in clusters in my family.

[simonsez40]

As soon as homosexuality is mentioned all the bible thumpers and zealots come out of their LILLY WHITE closets............

What I find most comical of all is that most straight MARRIED couples repeat a verse from the BOOK OF RUTH in their wedding ceremonies......."Where thou goest I will goest.....etc......etc" Funny that was Naomi talking to Ruth - those two women loved one another........and those are the verses that straight American immulates..........got to love that........

[Krazcarl]

Singingdick this not a religious podium to convert the masses if we want that we know where to go here to discuss issues not get converted was raised in fanatic religion one tried to molest oops make that 2 but luck and wits were on my side in those days so take your banter to the church not hear your starting block the blogs with your preaching. I''m filing a complaint your getting like the Ron Paul guy. This is not the place period.

[Ed0719]

Doesn''t take long for the christofascists to begin their rants and raves and beating everyone up with bible verses that are meaningless and contradictory.

Their rants and raves do serve a good purpose, though: they turn off more people and convince many more how utterly ridiculous is their religion.

I know for a fact that being gay is not a choice. Nobody else, no book or belief in some super spook, can possibly read my mind and determine that what I know as fact is not so. Religions are built upon lies and deceit anyway, so them telling another lie in order to have another group of people to oppress and demean is simply typical of their pattern of behavior. They did it with people of other races, other religions, but those are now "off-limits" for the most part, so they attack gay people now because they can.

As soon as someone says, "I''m a christian", I immediately distrust them and view them as a threat.

[gkc99]

"Basically, the only way one can try to say that the Bible is untrue is by calling every one of the authors liars. But this of course is an absurd claim that can never be proven, so to each his own"--Posted by singinrick


Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proofs. It''s much, much more likely that if Jesus came out of his tomb, he wasn''t dead when they put him in there. It''s not like he was beheaded or something--"hey that sucker jumped right back on there"--a death by exposure is hard to detect. Many people, every year, are pronounced dead then are revived. Like a guy who was undergoing his own autopsy when he woke up a few weeks ago, as reported in the national press. Then, after Jesus (of course, that wasn''t even the guy''s name, but a corrupted Whitey version) showed up again. his snake oil salesmen / televangelists of the day played it up for all it was worth, and it succeeded, especially when the world''s greatest military superpower found it a convenient faith, as Christianity teaches people to be slaves. "Slaves, serve your masters"--Paul.

So if you claim our 10 billion year old universe somehow revolves around some Jewish rabbi from the middle east a couple thousand years ago, you gotta do better than that, Chuckie! Otherwise: It''s just another fairytale.

[Krazcarl]

No need for a study to find excuses when you look for excuses you have things to hide. I was raised it was wrong and believe that it''s perversion but if GROWN men engage I could care less but believe adoption and marriage should be out of the question. I''m not a bible thumper it''s getting thumped enough without my help. The prisons are full of folks that believe what they did was right at the time. I think queers are nasty and they know it.

[simonsez40]

Queers are nasty and they know it - most likely you are surrounded by queers and have no clue crzmeat.....without queers your world would be truly dreary and less colorful. We are everywhere and most folks have no clue they work next to one.....

That is the most stupid statement I''ve ever heard.........Hmmmm I have a MBA, work in a professional field, I make a lot of money, I have two children and am active in my community.......my wife is beautiful....probably better than you could ever get.........nope I''m not nasty and ugly..........I drive by your trailer park everyday........

Retarded and ignorant heterosexuals.........

[Krazcarl]

gkc99..It is totaly possible the roman gaurds were bribbed a common practice in those days and jesus had access to cash and people of influence but the preaching days were over he''d have to go live quietly somewhere would love to know the truth not the claims what a story that would be.

[simonsez40]

Oh by the way if you were RAISED by the KKK would you also bash African Americans and any race that wasn''t yours? Just because you are RAISED that way is a feeble excuse for anything - my father is a Southern Baptist preacher and was my entire life......I''m still recovering from that..........

Again people following the herd of sheep off a cliff! Duh!

[mudrose-2009]

why is it that ''''straights'''' are so obessed about what consenting adultas do in private, espicially homosexuals and homosexual behavior, is it because they are closeted like teh Hon. Sen. Craig? It is appalling the level of bigotry displayed in regards to s e x u a l i t y. The bigots here that are so fond of listing the foibles of others need to simply keep their hous in order.

Posted by bks59

Oh here we go again with this trying to prove that homosexuality rather than being an anomaly is actually genetic. The APA was bought off by this group years ago after it confirmed that homosexuality was indeed outside the norm,like pedophilia. Or is that genetic too? We aren''t concerned with your sexuality or what you do behind closed doors. But when you try to legitimize your relationships and equate it with normal, healthy relationship between a man and a woman and then try to sanction it with a license to marry, you aren''t keeping your sexuality private now are you. Thank you very much, but it it you people that want to ram your lifestyle down our throats that''s irritating. You are free to do what you please, unless it involves underage children and marriage.

[simonsez40]

Yes MUDROSE pedophiles are an anomoly - they are 98% STRAIGHT MALES - most usually rape their own daughters and sons. It''s acutually a STRAIGHT issue - a gay man being a pedophile is in the lower percentile.......

Actually I was thinking your interbreed opinions were the anamoly buddy - my counterparts are over 12% of the population strong........you might be scared MUDROSE we are all around you. You might even work NEXT TO ONE and don''t even know it.....you better be VERY VERY CAREFUL you ignorant bigot.

[Krazcarl]

simonsez40...Have gay friends and past family member not quite that shallow but to be honest I don''t approve there was a happy guy that did me favors and thought a lot of him decent fellow just flamboyantly queer {can''t use the other word they block it have no idea how that works or why} But as the old song goes if you don''t stand up you''ll fall for everything.. Was the member of a recovery community for a while and you ought to see the feeding frenzy the ladies not the guys did on the new recruits it was disgusting. God made woman for me and I think god did an excellent job.

[simonsez40]

MUDROSE I hope you didn''t reproduce - now that is an anomaly! Its scarry that you can reproduce..........and oh the bigoted and interbred children you must father.........that to me is frightening.

[simonsez40]

Crzmeat - just your tag name says it all.......you are ruled by your little sausage. You call me ignorant but I''m sure you drive a pick-up truck, have a NASCAR sticker, voted for George W. are a pillar deacon in your church, drink beer like a lush at your local pub and hunt deer sucking beer in your deer stand on Saturday mornings.........you probably have an obedient wife at home in your trailer.........

Got to love the educated masses of Americans CRZMEAT. Most likely my meat is larger than yours......lol!

[wadyaknow]

I know what causes homosexuality. Being Republican!


Brown County political leader faces *** charges

Gannett Wisconsin Newspapers

GREEN BAY %u2014 The chairman of the Republican Party in Brown County faces criminal charges for allegedly fondling a 16-year-old Ethan House runaway and providing him with beer and marijuana late last year.


Donald Fleischman, 37, of Allouez, was charged last month with two counts of child enticement, two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a child and a single charge of exposing himself to a child....

[simonsez40]

...and you liked your *** polished by a local friend......and you call me nasty! Amazing.....