Homosexuality and genetics

by Letters Editor · July 4, 2013

From�Patrick Dacey, Johannesburg

Michelle Evert�s opinion on homosexuality (June 12), where she refers to genetics playing a part in our behaviour patterns, is perplexing.�We know that our genes play a part in terms of tendencies we inherit, but surely our behaviour patterns are to a large degree shaped by influences during our formative years. These influences could be hugely instrumental in affecting our lives as adults.

Biblical scripture was referring to the two opposite sexes where we read in Genesis: �Be fruitful and multiply.�

Being gay is not easily explained. Humans are gregarious by nature and thus seek companionship. When we leave our late teens and head into adulthood, most of us gradually begin to pair off with the opposite sex. If we are shy or reticent in relationships, we will find during the post-teen stage that, as our previous friends begin to drift away in one-on-one relationships, we could very well begin to experience the �being alone� feeling which could be the catalyst that nudges us into a same-sex relationship.

As Ms Evert says, Biblical scripture was referring to the two opposite sexes where we read in Genesis: �Be fruitful and multiply.� From an evolutionary point of view, for millions of years, male/female pairing has been the only way to procreate, and added to this fact, the mode of ventro-ventral sex (face to face copulation) has played a vital part in the development of male/female relationships.

What is a concern to many people is same-sex couples engaging in sex. Ms Evert points out as well that male/female anatomies are perfectly structured for this purpose and therefore anything other could be viewed as being misguided.

Same-sex relationships for the purpose of companionship fall quite comfortably into the biblical statement that �it is not good for man to live alone�, and one must assume that the growing international acceptance of gay marriages is an acknowledgement of this human trait.