Friday, September 4, 2009
Human sexuality is a delicate subject. Certain elements of it are taboo in our society, and yet it is an absolute necessity for the propagation of our civilization. Within the complexity of sexuality in general, the mystery of homosexuality remains controversial and misunderstood.
The scientific research of homosexuality is scattered and difficult to interpret, but it weaves a picture that allows us to place homosexuality in a natural and biological context.
Homosexuality is an extraordinarily problematic phenomenon to research. It extends to many disciplines, including genetics, developmental biology, neurobiology and even evolutionary biology. Many scientists may have different definitions of homosexuality, making comparing research across fields very difficult.
Many more find the dichotomous distinction of heterosexuality and homosexuality arbitrary and oversimplifying, as most research demonstrates that sexual orientation itself exists as a spectrum.
The genetic model as the basis for homosexuality is still in its infancy. There is almost certainly no single gene that creates the straight or gay sexual orientation; it is more likely a huge assortment of genes, potentially expressed at different times and levels, that creates the complex structure of homosexuality.
Many studies in fruit flies have clearly shown that sexual behavior is tightly connected to genetics, and it remains very likely that human sexuality is a function of the interactions of many genes.
The environment of the womb for the growing child may also play a role in shaping sexual behavior. Scientists have shown that with each male child a mother has, the newborn male has a greater chance of being gay.
In simple terms, the mother develops an immunologic resistance to the male child, which may alter its neurological development and sexual orientation. In many ways, homosexuality may be ultimately determined before birth.
The brains of heterosexuals and homosexuals differ substantially. Certain clusters of specialized neurons show relatively consistent differences between those of straight men and those of gay men.
In general, the brains of homosexual men tended to more closely fit the female anatomic model. Whether this is a result of genetic predisposition or plasticity over experience has yet to be determined.
But homosexuality in humans needs to be placed into the context of all life on the planet.
A recent review of the scientific literature has shown that nearly every animal species on earth has been observed demonstrating homosexual behavior. Some albatrosses nest as two females because of shortages of males, and many social species, such as dolphins, demonstrate same-sex behavior as a form of bonding.
Many scientists argue that the homosexuality displayed in these animals helps improve the survival of the species as a whole. Humans are not alone in displaying diverse sexual behaviors.
The science of homosexuality is broad, complex and constantly evolving. But science cannot give an answer to the moral question of homosexuality. Science can inform these judgments, but these scientific findings cannot dictate moral decisions.
By continuing to inquire into the nature of our homosexuality, we can learn to better understand the sexuality of ourselves and others.
— — Folmsbee is a Topeka senior in neurobiology.
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