Is homosexuality a genetic dead end?

Homosexuality is not just a choice, but it has something to do with genetics as well. Explore this concept with Yami Malhotra.

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NOTE: Most of the theories mentioned in this article are based on male homosexuality in human beings as lesbianism hasn’t been properly studied yet.

HOW ARE GAY PEOPLE AT A REPRODUCTIVE ADVANTAGE?

It is not possible for two people of the same sex to be able to have a child unless they adopt, or through surrogacy but, there’s a group of genes that codes for homosexual orientation that have a reproductive advantage because the gay people’s lack of ability to reproduce ensures the continuity of the trait as non-gay carriers of the genes pass on the homosexual genes. There is a theory which states that if a male possesses a group of genes which makes the bearer more attractive to men, it will stand for same-sex attraction which has a net evolutionary benefit. According to Paul Vasey’s research in Samoa, he believes that gay people make up for not having children of their own by promoting the reproductive fitness of their brothers or sisters, contributing money or doing a better job at what is considered to be “uncle-like activities” like tutoring or babysitting. Sometimes, the genetics of a gay person are shared with their real siblings’ child (a gay person’s niece or nephew) which indicates that genes which carry sexual orientation still get passed on.

THE BIG BROTHER EFFECT

According to an observation made by Qazi Rahman, boys with older brothers are significantly most likely to become gay (with every older brother, the chance increases by almost a third). The possible theory behind this concept is that with the birth of each male child, the mother’s body becomes more immune to proteins which have a role in the development of the male brain but this only comes into play after a few siblings are born. An unusual exposure to higher levels of hormones could also affect the sexuality of a person (if a female foetus is exposed to higher testosterone levels, she is more likely to be a lesbian and if a male foetus is exposed to higher levels of oestrogen are more likely to be gay). A research has also found in a pair of identical twins- if one of the twins is gay, there is about a 20% chance that the sexual orientation of the other twin may be the same (higher possibility in twins because the genetic makeup may be identical).

CONCLUSION

There may be many people who are strongly against homosexuality because of religious reasons or because of scientific reasons like the theory of evolution as well. Not that homosexuals can reproduce, but they pass on their genes to their relatives which is a sign of evolution and above everything else, there are so many children out there who are unprivileged and are treated terribly in foster homes so they could belong in a warm and loving family of two same-sex partners who cannot have kids of their own and improve the lives of children by adopting them and providing them with shelter and a nurturing atmosphere which is beneficial for both.

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Written By Yami Malhotra