Is Sexual Orientation Determined at Birth?
Samantha A. Van Zandt
College of Southern Nevada
Author Note
First paragraph: Heterosexism, conversion therapy and its effect on society
Second paragraph: Biological side of sexual orientation
Third paragraph: Psychological side of sexual orientation
Fourth paragraph: Scientific research limitations
Abstract
In this paper, I will refute society’s argument that sexual orientation is a learned behavior by showing the biological and psychological facets revolving around sexual orientation and its function in the body. Although having lack of scientific limitations and proven research, scientists theorize that on the X chromosome exists a gene called, XQ28, a gene specifically linked to sexual orientation. The locus of gene XQ28 is what determines a person's sexual preference and orientation. Additionally, the upbringing and society a child is raised in is determinate on the act of homosexuality. In a society where homosexuality is openly talked about, a child is more likely to explore sexuality; however, a child is more likely to hide and shut down in a more conservative and traditional society. Heterosexism plays a huge role in our acceptance and progression of sexualities different than heterosexual. Sexual orientation is more complex than nature versus nurture; it involves the combination of the two to create a human being on the spectrum of sexuality.
Keywords: XQ28, locus , heterosexism
Is Sexual Orientation Determined at Birth?
Although, sexual orientation differs in every man and woman; heterosexism is seen in almost every culture. There is a stigma placed on lesbian, gay, bisexual and queer people due to society’s heteronormative portrayal of a normal life. Societal and political institutions only push the negative stance of homosexuality into society, making that stigma normal. Heterosexual representation is more commonly shown in the public, thus generating a type of societal assumption and expectation for one’s sexual orientation. Since heterosexuality is more common and accepted, this puts a stigma on homosexuality. Leading to harassment and violence towards those outside of the normal standards that society sets. For example, in the religious church, having partners of the same sex is considered not only a sin, but primitive and undeveloped. Until 1973, homosexuality was seen as a mental illness. Those who were homosexual were tested on inhumanely and put through conversion therapy which include: electroshock therapy, exorcisms, various medications and chemical castration. As of 2016, conversion therapy for minors in the United States has no restrictions in thirty-six states, meaning that children that identify as something other than heterosexual are being tortured and groomed to be a “normal child” in society’s standards. The stigma put on the concept of sexual orientation does not aid the progression of society. Avoiding and hiding the talk orbiting around the understanding of one’s self will continue to damage and digress not only the person questioning, but for society as a whole. The longer society takes to begin to understand themselves will alter how people understand each other, resulting in hatred and a feeling of superiority. Homosexual people are afraid to be out, to hold their lovers hand in public and this is the result of a society afraid to talk about who and what is contradictory than normal.
Most published scientific studies of sexual orientation revolve around men, the paternal genetics passed on throughout a family and the males on the maternal side; however, rarely any queer women have been studied on the effect of the “gay gene”. Scientists speculate that sexual orientation occurs before the baby is actually brought into this world. A gene called, XQ28, on the X chromosome is hypothesized to be the first sign of development for sexual orientation in a male fetus. DNA linkage has been found between XQ28 and sexual orientation in the locus, a locked position on a chromosome, implying that this gene impacts variations of sexual orientation. Due to the different variations of this locus in a man or woman, there is a creation of a spectrum of sexuality in humans as a whole. The Kinsey scale is loosely used to describe and determine sexual orientation of a person. Instead of giving a label to one's specific preference, the Kinsey scale gives a spectrum of where one could fall on a heterosexual-homosexual range. Thus, further proving that sexuality is not black nor white, but fluid and shifting as one goes through different life experiences and tribulations. The Kinsey scale is not scientific proof that one is homosexual or heterosexual. In addition to, this scale is used to give an interpretation of one’s self based on the questions answered.
As genes are different in every human body, the mind is another variable in the question of sexual orientation. The way a child is brought up can aid the determination of sexual preference and orientation. Society created and refined a homophobic environment, thus making it harder for homosexual children or adults to become who one actually wants to be. It is dangerous to have a structured society and societal norms established, with no gray area, thus creating an identity crisis within the mind of someone apart of the LGBTQ community. In life, people want to fit in and feel wanted; although, people with an inclination of homosexual tendencies have an internal battle of if one should ease the heart or the mind. Being raised in this society or household can severely scar a child into either embracing or rejecting themselves. Religious upbringing can also influence a child's sexual orientation and preference. The church comes with rules that must be abided by; however, in a child’s mind is the fear of being rejected by family, friends and the church. Therefore, altering the child’s perception of themselves and the people around them. In society, religion is used as a scare tactic to refrain from being homosexual or acting upon homosexual tendencies. Homosexuality is seen as a lifestyle and as a choice, when in reality it is much more complex than we can understand with the technology and scientific research found currently.
Sexual orientation is a new subject to the scientific community. Not many studies have been done to truly determine the reason to why and how sexual orientation occurs in the human body. Almost all studies have been on a man’s sexuality and how it is formed, but we are only scratching the surface. A scientist cannot simply measure the homosexuality of a person with a drop of blood, nevertheless that idea might become reality in the future. The way technology and medicine is advancing, sexual orientation will no longer be a controversial topic, yet scientific proof and fact to how and why people experience this feeling. Scientists should begin longitudinal studies of sexual orientation implemented on both homosexual female and male subjects. These studies would not only focus on the biological and neurological aspect of one’s self; but, how one is raised in religion, personal family beliefs, and the culture and society one has matured and developed in.
Discussion
The foundation of one's sexual orientation is determined at birth, and then develops further as the child grows to be an adult. Biologically, there is a primal instinct within that pulls or pushes us away from certain people, regardless of sexual preference. There are chemicals and pheromones released when one finds a person they are interested in or attracted to. Psychologically, there is something in the mind that tells the heart to go somewhere it would have never thought to go. The mixture of nature and nurture determines how and why a person will act and express themselves, what makes it different with sexual orientation? Strong religious beliefs, society and the heterosexism is what makes or breaks standards within the society itself. Society and societal norms have been progressing and will continue to progress on the topic of sexual orientation. The world we live in today has been the most progressive we have seen in awhile. Gay marriage became legal only three years ago. Racism, equality for women and sexual orientation are being protested and talked about. Society wants to learn, understand and explore a world that is not directly in front of them; however, much of the culture in the United States is behind. Many people are still stuck in the traditional and conservative mindset, but I believe people can change their minds. Any view or stance on a topic can be altered if one opened their minds to the potential of new possibilities. Regardless of what direction the scientific community makes on sexual orientation, I know it will be beneficial to the overall question of if sexual orientation is determined at birth. Just from researching for this topic, I have learned more about myself and others. If more people would take the time to do this, we would all have a better understanding of each other and accept why people are the way they are instead of construction of a prejudicial society. I do not mind if science cannot prove sexuality; however, I want an understanding and compliance to the differences within each other.
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