by Matthew J Stevenson

Created on: January 16, 2008   Last Updated: January 19, 2009

There are multitude of theories and speculations about the origins of homosexuality, and there is of course the scientific ideal that homosexuality, and leniences towards homosexuality in both males and females, is perhaps genetic.

The ideal that homosexuality is genetic therefore raises many different speculations as to where the "gay gene" originated. Indeed, somewhere long the great evolution of humanity's genetic development, we would theorize that homosexuality was in fact a mutation in the gene-pool, a development of genetics to serve a particular purpose (which is why mutations occur, generally). However in a retrospective glance, how can we discern a probable purpose for the gay gene?

One scientific theory that lends weight to the particular dynamics of the ideals of homosexuality, is that of population control. In the animal kingdom, many species have evolved with genetic functions and underpinnings that allow their species in their respective ecosystems and environments, to control the population of the particular species. In this respect many of these controls are in fact, environmentally dependent.

Take for example the lemming. An interesting rodent type of creature. Lemmings live in area of high altitude, and their social behaviors amongst their species have been documented as that similar to the rat, mouse, hamster etc. Their society however is dependent on many different factors. Living in mountainous and cliffy areas signifies that food, is in fact in a readily limited supply. Only certain numbers of lemmings live together in their own groups, and have their own rules to their respective "families". When the group, pack, family etc gets over populated, food becomes short in supply, and the space in which they occupy, becomes crowded. Somewhere in the genetic makeup of the lemming, the weaker of the pack is genetically inclined to sacrifice him or herself, to assure the survival and continual social existence of the lemming pack. This is achieved environmentally, since lemmings who undergo this process, leap from cliffs in kamikaze fashion, thus assuring the continual survival of the pack.

Not for one moment am i saying that we as humans do the same, such an ideal would not fit with our humane design. Instead, evolution, in its full beauty, designs other means to fit with our social, environmental and psychological patterns. Some would theorise, as a precautionary measure, we are in fact born, Gay.

For several years now, it has been a reverent scientific opinion that homosexuality is a genetic development, and as a result of such, many people are in fact born, with traits and tendencies to support their homosexual genes. Some would argue that this is a choice people make, whether consciously or subconsciously, to be gay. I my humble opinion however, it is a means of acceptance, and exploration of a side to both the psyche and the concept, of our own selves.

Since the development of humanity has procured the element of choice as a deciding factor (a nice little joke there), it is my humble belief that even those born with homosexual traits genetically, still have the choice of participating in a homosexual fashion. Many gay men have lived out their lives as heterosexuals, in fear of discovery and shame, and all of the other social negative accompaniments to a societies rejection.

In short, you may be born gay, but it is your own conscious decision, as much it is the nurture of society, as to whether you decide you are gay or not. I am proud to be who i am regardless of sexual orientation discrimination, and i always have been, ever since i was born gay. I'm just doing my bit for society, and so are the lemmings.

:)

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