Aren't people born gay?

There's no evidence to suggest they are and several prominant gay activists in the UK have acknowledged that fact. No gay gene has been identified in the human genome project according to Dr Francis Collins. Many argue that the weight of evidence favours environmental factors as having the greatest influence on the development of homosexual feelings.

There is also divided opinion about the extent of 'herritability' with respect to homosexuality - so that on average the highest estimate of heritability is less than 20%. 'Heritability' is a complex area, very different to the idea of 'inheritance'. Studies of identifical twins indicate low concordance rates in this area yet, despite this fact, the perception that people are born gay continues to be perpetuated and believed by popular opinion.

Because homosexual feelings are so primary for some people and they feel so naturally a part of their deepest identity, it is easy to understand why they would describe themselves as having been born gay. The science does not support this, but arguments against the notion are beyond the scope of this answer. Have a look at this article (The Science Behind Same Sex Attraction) for a more full response

Here's a really interesting study which indicates the importance of the environment in matters relating to the development of same sex attraction: "Opposite-Sex Twin and Same-Sex Attraction" (Bearman and Brookman, 2002).

Beraman, P and Bruchner, H. "Opposite-sex twins and adolescent same-sex attraction. The American Journal of Sociology; Mar 2002; 107, 5;

Next: Isn't it as wrong as racism to suggest that people should change their sexuality?

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