Male Sexual Orientation Genes Identified!

[nitroburn]

From http://www.scienceagogo.com/news/200500 ... _sys.shtml

Male Sexual Orientation Genes Identified

A study appearing in the journal Human Genetics has identified several areas of DNA that appear to influence whether a man is heterosexual or gay.

University of Illinois at Chicago researcher Brian Mustanski found stretches of DNA that appeared to be linked to sexual orientation on three different chromosomes in the nucleus of cells of the human male. "There is no one 'gay' gene," said Mustanski. "Sexual orientation is a complex trait, so it's not surprising that we found several DNA regions involved in its expression. Our best guess is that multiple genes, potentially interacting with environmental influences, explain differences in sexual orientation."

The genomes of 456 men from 146 families with two or more gay brothers were analyzed. While earlier studies had focused solely on the X chromosome, one of the two sex chromosomes, the present study examined all 22 pairs of non-sex chromosomes in addition to the X chromosome. The other sex chromosome, called Y, was not explored. Identical stretches of DNA on three chromosomes - chromosomes 7, 8 and 10 - were found to be shared in about 60 percent of the gay brothers in the study, compared to about 50 percent expected by chance. The region on chromosome 10 correlated with sexual orientation only if it was inherited from the mother.

"Our study helps to establish that genes play an important role in determining whether a man is gay or heterosexual," said Mustanski.

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/me waits for "SCIENCE IS MADE BY THE DEVIL!"
I can see the machine winding up and getting ready to pounce on this.

[GreenThumbBum]

I hope they never find "the gene" or whatnot... All that means is the rightest nut cases will try and "fix us" or let parents take it out and make us all straight.  I don't want to be straight damn it.

Thanks for posting this info though :-D

[X. Torris]

I've always wondered what would benefit the "gay rights" movement more--- finding or never finding a genetic "cause".  

On the one hand, a definitive "sexual orientation gene" should shut the mouths of the bigots who like to claim that homosexuality is "unnatural".

On the other hand, in an ideal society, it should be enough for people to say "fuck you, it's my choice to be one way or the other", and not have to justify the way they are to themselves or others with a genetic cause.

Anyway, interesting article.  I'll be watching to see how it plays out.

[GreenThumbBum]

the only problem is they would still say it wasn't natural... Just like genes that cause people to be born without limbs and such.  They would say it was a hereditary disease or something.  No matter the proof the crazy right will not listen to it.

[winder]

The Daily Show had a segment about a state legigslator in Maine who had introduced a bill for gay marriage in Maine simply so he can oppose it.  That bit is serious, starting a bill so he can show his colors opposing it.

In the segment, he also mentions something about avoiding abortion based on a test for a gay gene.  Well, now that a gay gene is identified, are people going to get amniocentesis and abort their gay fetuses?  Will a law be enacted to avoid such actions being carried through?

[Cassie]

"designer babies"
 :roll: