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Are people born gay? Are people born gay?
Yes, people are born gay Yes, people are born gay
No, people are not born gay No, people are not born gay
We don't know if people are born gay We don't know if people are born gay
It doesn't matter if people are born gay It doesn't matter if people are born gay
Xq28 is the gay gene Xq28 is the gay gene
Epigenetics confirm people are born gay Epigenetics confirm people are born gay
Homosexuality is a genetic trait that runs throughout generations Homosexuality is a genetic trait that runs throughout generations
Gay and straight people show neurological differences Gay and straight people show neurological differences
The fraternal birth effect shows people are born gay The fraternal birth effect shows people are born gay
We can't choose our sexual orientation because it's genetically inherent We can't choose our sexual orientation because it's genetically inherent
Gay people have fewer offspring because of the genetics they pass on Gay people have fewer offspring because of the genetics they pass on
Sexual orientation is not a binary outcome Sexual orientation is not a binary outcome
Identical twins can have different sexual orientations due to environment Identical twins can have different sexual orientations due to environment
Same-sex attraction is a mental illness that needs professional treatment Same-sex attraction is a mental illness that needs professional treatment
The word is still out on genetics and homosexuality The word is still out on genetics and homosexuality
People can't be born "gay" if the word itself is fluid. People can't be born "gay" if the word itself is fluid.
We are better off not knowing We are better off not knowing
You shouldn't get to define someone else’s homosexuality You shouldn't get to define someone else’s homosexuality
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Are people born gay?
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It doesn't matter if people are born gay

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We are better off not knowing

The answer to the question will only have negative repercussions for the LGBTQ+ community.
LGBTQ
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Context

The impact of getting a definitive answer to this question will be catastrophic for the LGBTQ+ community. It is best to leave the question unanswered.

The Argument

If scientists prove that people are born gay and can link the development of same-sex attraction to a specific gene or genetic mutation, it will open the door for one of two things. If we are born gay and it proves to be a hereditary gene, homophobic parents carrying a foetus that has the gene could prove to terminate the pregnancy rather than give birth to an LGBTQ+ child. This would only serve to further marginalize the LGBTQ+ community. Alternatively, if it is a genetic mutation that causes same-sex attraction, the public will begin to view the LGBTQ+ community as victims of a disease. Neither of these outcomes will have positive outcomes for LGBTQ+ individuals.[1]

Counter arguments

Understanding why people are gay could lead to improved attitudes towards LGBTQ+ citizens. It could also lead to further public scrutiny of those that hold homophobic views and an end to damaging gay conversion therapies. All of these would be good outcomes.

Premises

[P1] The answer to the question of whether or not people are born gay will only have negative outcomes for the LGBTQ+ community. [P2] We should not seek to answer the question.

Rejecting the premises

[Rejecting P1] There are several important positive outcomes that could come from getting an answer to the question.

References

  1. https://australiascience.tv/science-of-sexuality/
This page was last edited on Monday, 14 Sep 2020 at 12:15 UTC

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