My own theory on why gays/lesbians exist maybe

[gigglyfreedom]

Hey everyone, i was reading a post by someone else giving a possible theory on why gays exist maybe. I was actually very inspired by the post (thanks poster), and i have come up with a little theory myself: Obviously id like to clarify that Im not basing this on ANY data, research or evidence, so im just hypothesizing in the strictest sense of the word:

 

My theory:

 

By evolution, it is clear that for the species to survive, heterosexual sex is needed. At given times, men and women from communities or whatever, were separated for quite long periods of time (during hunting periods for example). Within that pack of hunters, there would probably be some gay male members, on evolutionary terms, 'designed' to 'maintain' the sex interest going of the men who would then return eventually to re-unite with the women. Although sex is an instinct, the actual 'act' of it; the 'physical contact' that goes with it; the 'feeling' of it, so to speak could be forgotten almost by the busy hunting men. And maybe to 'absolutely guarantee' that when they returned to the women, they woulddd procreate and that they woulddd feel as if they 'dominated the situation' - but especially that they wouldd procreate, the several gay men among the hunting pack 'evolved' so to speak, into providing that 'erotic spark' lol that actually, is always necessary in life. Because although there is instinct, if 'interest' and 'practise' so to speak go down, instinct is not as powerful as it could be maybe - meaning, it wont work to its full, optimum level.

In the case of women, I think this was probably very much the same: among the women who were at home picking berries or taking care of the home, certain women among the group would be on evolutionary terms, 'in charge' of making sure the women did not lose total touch with eroticism; to make sure that their 'spirit' and 'interest' in loving, physical sexual or romantic interactions was maintained. So then, when the men and women got back together after so long, procreation (the most ESSENTIAL thing for the species to go on), could occur in an optimum way - not JUST because of instinct, but on top of that, because a sense of 'eroticism' and 'romanticism' meant the SEX act would be fully enjoyed in every single way, and to FULLY enjoy it in every way, is what probably makes the chances of conceiving higher and better.

 

 

What do you think? I know it SO is probably a bunch of crap LOL and that contrary to my own liking it puts gays and lesbians in a 'secondary' position; as if they are serving the heterosexual cavepeople lol, so to speak, but if thought about in terms of evolution blah blah, maybe it does make a bit of sense? i dont know. maybe not.

[jon 13]

eh its not too bad, any thoughts on why other species share this "trait"?

[gigglyfreedom]

Evolution/nature likes to have 'everything ready'; it likes to be 'prepared' so to speak for everything - so in other species, maybe the same is at the heart of say gay penguins lol for example. Nature thinks: 'what if for some reason' the males and females separated for a long time? So it provides that possibility - the 'trait' of gaynesss/lesbian-ness.

 

Note that even in other species, males tend to do the hunting, and females are in charge of other things.

 

And also think about it: In reference to my 'feelings' bit, etc... who is to say animals dont feel emotions just as intensely as humans do? Okay i personally dont think its likely, but you never know. right?

 

So anyways both with humans and animals, evolution guarantees; 'creates' this certain 'trait' or maybe gene (ifff it is genetic).

[d24]

so would we think that the gay men now are descendants of the erotic-managers of the past? thereforee, that it's genetic and potentially predictable?

 

it's interesting, but I'm not sure.

[StretchGee]

So anyways both with humans and animals, evolution guarantees; 'creates' this certain 'trait' or maybe gene (ifff it is genetic).

 

The 'gay gene theory' is still pretty weak, even if political. There seems to be a million cockamamie theories on sexual attraction. (Not that yours is any more or any less cockamamie ).

 

Many homosexuals, closeted or out, have children. So if there is a gene there is very little problem with it being carried forward.

 

Any thoughts on eroticism in general? I recall reading that eroticism comes and goes with civilization and that in general it takes a rather advanced civilization for it to exist at all. Sure, we have movies of Rachel Welsh playing the hot cave woman but the reality is probably that sex at the time was only for procreation.

 

That said, I feel your use of the word "domination" in the male aspect is likely correct. A gay man may have sex with a man or woman as a form of domination.

 

I'm not sure female homosexuality can be shoehorned into the same theory applied to male homosexuality. They may in fact be two entirely separate mechanisms.

[StretchGee]

Who was it that said: "Why does a crocodile f**k another crocodile?" I feel that statement goes a long way towards getting to the root of sexual attraction.

[richmonder80]

good argument...well thought out

[pianoguy]

If you poke around on the internet a bit there's already been some good research done on this, although almost all of it is on gay guys and not lesbians.

 

The theory you have is pretty close to another theory which says that homosexuality developed to decrease the natural animosity that men have towards each other in a hunter/gather society. Since the men work as a team, they can't hate each other, so homosexuality developed.

 

Another theory says (the "gay uncle" theory) says that it is useful to have a group of people in a society who have no children of their own. These individuals focus on nuturing and providing food for their nieces and nephews, and these children have a better chance of survival since more people are taking care of them.

 

Another theory is that it is a means of population control, like hemophilia or other diseases that are passed on genetically. Obviously, I don't like this theory because it implies that homosexuality is the same as genetic diseases, but it does make sense on many levels.

[Stars_n_Guitars]

I think there are many reasons that homosexuality exists. Firstly, I don't think you are born homosexual, heck I really don't believe that you are born heterosexual!

 

Our sexual preference is determined by our society. Since homosexuality has become more socially acceptable, there has been an increase in the number of homosexual partnerships. And since it has become more acceptable by society, the religious society has become more and more against it. That can cause people to be rebellious and go against what religion says, because it's exciting.

 

I believe that if everyone accepted homosexuality, including religious people, there would be a drop in the number of people that declared themselves homosexual.

 

If men were allowed to be caring, loving, nuturing individuals and not told they were gay for being so, there would be less homosexuality!

 

"and that's all i have to say about that..."-forest gump

for now..

[greywolf]

By evolution, it is clear that for the species to survive, heterosexual sex is needed. At given times, men and women from communities or whatever, were separated for quite long periods of time (during hunting periods for example). Within that pack of hunters, there would probably be some gay male members, on evolutionary terms, 'designed' to 'maintain' the sex interest going of the men who would then return eventually to re-unite with the women

I hesitate to agree that it's genetic. However, I have heard of a few hunter-gatherer societies that exist today that do that.

[jon 13]

I think there are many reasons that homosexuality exists. Firstly, I don't think you are born homosexual, heck I really don't believe that you are born heterosexual!

 

Our sexual preference is determined by our society. Since homosexuality has become more socially acceptable, there has been an increase in the number of homosexual partnerships. And since it has become more acceptable by society, the religious society has become more and more against it. That can cause people to be rebellious and go against what religion says, because it's exciting.

 

I believe that if everyone accepted homosexuality, including religious people, there would be a drop in the number of people that declared themselves homosexual.

 

If men were allowed to be caring, loving, nuturing individuals and not told they were gay for being so, there would be less homosexuality!

 

"and that's all i have to say about that..."-forest gump

for now..

 

"Since homosexuality has become more socially acceptable, there has been an increase in the number of homosexual partnerships"

 

there has been an increase of "Out" homosexuals.

 

"If men were allowed to be caring, loving, nuturing individuals and not told they were gay for being so, there would be less homosexuality! "

 

this line honestly threw me off, i cant tell if you're being an * * * * , or joking around. tbh i reallly don't like kids, so why did i turn out gay?

 

"I believe that if everyone accepted homosexuality, including religious people, there would be a drop in the number of people that declared themselves homosexual."

 

You just said that every person (gay,straight and everything in between)

chooses their sexuality by saying that we "declare themselves homosexual"

and "Firstly, I don't think you are born homosexual, heck I really don't believe that you are born heterosexual!"

[greywolf]

Our sexual preference is determined by our society. Since homosexuality has become more socially acceptable, there has been an increase in the number of homosexual partnerships.

 

I believe that if everyone accepted homosexuality, including religious people, there would be a drop in the number of people that declared themselves homosexual.

 

I believe that if everyone accepted homosexuality, including religious people, there would be a drop in the number of people that declared themselves homosexual.

 

hmmmm I'm kinda confused because it seems to contradict.

[Loves Enemy]

My theory of why there is homosexuality is simply because God got bored. The love stories between heterosexuals fell into a boring non-private thing, and it became less entertaining to observe. Too many people became * * * * s and whores (guys too) that love had lost a lot of dignity. He created homosexuals to bring the secrecy and the risk back. Many homosexuals aren't afraid to love someone for who they are, and are less likely to say they love someone just for sex, so it's more of a story line for God to watch. Like a movie...lol.

 

sorry, my theory is kind of out there...lol.

[unabashed]

I'm kind of lost here. With a little queasy feeling in my stomach.

 

Why is it so important to understand WHY people are homosexual? Could it possibly be that there are many reasons, and it depends upon the individual?

 

It reminds me of the questions my parents asked when I was first coming out. They wanted to know why. What did they do wrong? They seriously needed something to blame because it could not possibly be so that their wonderful daughter would have these terrible feelings and then choose to act on them.

 

I am a lesbian, and I happen to believe that it has something to do with how I'm wired. My genetic makeup. I have these feelings and I choose to act. So, to that extent, for ME, it is a choice. And genetic. I also feel that being able to recognize the duality of beingness and embrace attraction to someone of the same sex is actually very spiritually evolved. So, in that sense, it is a spiritual choice. For me. And then, I also have some strong feelings about the importance of equity in relationships and the need to empower women. So, perhaps there is some feminism thrown in.

 

So, I am a gay person, born that way , but choosing to be so, spiritually influenced, as well as socially/politically affected in coming to the way I live my life.

 

Why does it seem important to have a discussion about why people are the way they are? There are many types of heterosexuals. Why are some poly, some into bdsm, some asexual, some into porn, some whose proclivities are illegal and considered immoral...and on and on? Why don't we ask why they are the way they are?? To me, the discussion presupposes that there is something wrong with being gay. And, let's face it, some people believe that to be so, including many on this very supportive, caring website. Some of these posts are interesting, some are downright offensive. Why is this not called out on a support site?

[pianoguy]

I don't think the question is why are people homosexual, I think the question is, why is it that homosexuality seems to be a trait that is passed on from generation to generation, despite the fact that evolution should probably get rid of homosexuality. I think it's a very interesting question, one I think about frequently, I don't think it's necessarily offensive. At least I think that's what the OP is getting at, although others may have taken it elsewhere.

[StretchGee]

Why is it so important to understand WHY people are homosexual? Could it possibly be that there are many reasons, and it depends upon the individual?

 

Many people make their living understanding human behavior. And many more gossip about it all the time. People are interesting so that is reason enough to ask why, IMHO.

 

Are you offended by the question or by some of the answers (theories?)?

 

It would seem for most it really doesn't matter. Why are people hetero? Why are people left handed? Why is chocolate so damn good?

[Loves Enemy]

 

It would seem for most it really doesn't matter. Why are people hetero? Why are people left handed? Why is chocolate so damn good?

 

Why is chocolate sooo damn good and fattening? This is something I always wondered about. Why is there so much Temptation in the world? There is almost always a bad factor of anything good. Everything that tastes really good is usually (not always) bad for you... kind of sucks. Why is the world so cruel

 

just another thought that sprung.

[unabashed]

As I stated, some of the posts are interesting and some are a little offensive to me. Sounds like that's true for others, too.

 

In general, I'm always up for a good, well-considered discussion. Maybe I'm having trouble with the idea of people sitting around talking about something personal to me as if it's an abstract subject.

 

People who make their living understanding human behavior usually look to the actual research that's been conducted, and their do their own research with large enough samples to get actual information (not, "I know this gay guy in California and he says....so it's true.").

 

My own contribution to this discussion was mainly to state that I think there are multiple factors involved with why someone is gay. And to offer a couple of other points--In some cultures, including Native American, being gay or bisexual is considered higher, not lower, on the scale of evolution, spiritually. Also, saying something is genetic does not necessarily mean that it's passed down. A genetic anomoly can occur at any time, it doesn't have to be inherited to be in the genes.

 

It is my personal opinion that discussions about genetics and evolution may contribute the the arsenal of those who feel that homosexuals are inferior and genetically defective. It wouldn't be the first time that happened, if you know history. So, that's maybe why I feel queasy. Language and discussions like these are not benign to me. And, on a relationship forum that is intended to help people deal with personal and relationship problems, I would see a discussion such as this one as potentially causing someone to not feel safe sharing something that they needed to share about a real problem they are having.

 

Thanks for listening. Again, I'm really not that offended, just trying to express myself.

[fragmint]

about the gay uncle theory who takes care of his relatives. it could be that he doesnt have a choice. there are many societies of animals that have individuals who will benefit more from helping their siblings/family survive than going out on their own and directly reproducing. so i dont think that, if it is genetic, its passed down for this purpose.

 

 

and i think for the theory posted in the original post, it 'sounds' like it could be pretty logical. but you really need to look up strict definitions for evolution. there cant be a 'gay' gene 'designed' to help heterosexuals reproduce. evolution doesnt design genes. IF everyone was straight and then there were some gay people popping up, i'd think it was a mutation. after people start appearing with this mutation, considering people were more 'conservative' in most societies back then, these people probably acted heterosexual and reproduced with the opposite sex even if they were 'gay', and that passes on the 'gay gene'. and now, even though peple dont 'act' straight even if theyre gay, we have means of reproducing with our genes without having sex with people of the opposite sex, so that would help pass on the 'gay' gene too.

 

it could be something that is triggered by environment too. so that if someone who has the gay gene isnt triggered to act on it, they will reproduce and pass on the gay gene to the next generation.

 

the gay gene probably still exists (if it does) because it doesnt increase or necessarily hurt your chances of being 'fit' and reproducing either. and with technology today its only going to get easier to reproduce without being heterosexual and that would pass on the 'gay' gene.

[StretchGee]

I like your opinions on the influence you perceive in your own life that made you what you are. I think there are people who come to these boards trying to answer the question "Am I gay?". There will be opinions from all angles: "cure" their gay feelings, encourage their gay feelings, subjectively evaluate their gay feelings. If you find yourself questioning your sexual identity, then that is very much a personal problem.

 

I agree that one will get all kinds of evidence, theories and such from ENA. It is the web, after all. YMMV. One good thing about ENA is that it is typically not overly offensive - perhaps some advice will make people uncomfortable or they may disagree. But threads that degrade into attacks and abuse are quickly shut down.

 

As to ranking a human trait, that is par for the course in any group it seems. Reading this thread there are folks opining that homosexuality is 'superior'. Certainly there are those that feel otherwise. The same thing happens with gender, height, weight, skin color, handedness, penis size, breast size, and whatever other difference people can find.

 

I understand how these differences can be very personal to some. Perhaps even stirring feelings and memories that are quite uncomfortable. But in the end we need to look at them as differences at a personal level and leave the judgment to the politicos and moralists. That thread is where the real offense starts.

[mylove]

I think homosexuality exsists..coz its natural.The only reason why people look at it differently is because society implemented the "correct"way of percieving what true love and true sex means.And if the entire world would allow homosexuality freely maybe human beings fear the decrease in population..which woldnt always happen with heterosexuality coz you marry,you have kids..although even homos can have kids in many ways too..I think its the plain fear of losing out on human exsistence! I mean if human beings are made and if sooo many people are coming ot terms with the fulfillment of gay relations wouldnt it be a natural thing?This is what I think-rules were made such as woman wear skirts..now imagine if years ago...the rule started with men wearing skirts...till today then people would be following whatever was followed then...

Being gay is about just loving sumone of the same gender..and its that one special person ..that makes you wanna forget people of the opp sex..the one person who you feel makes you feel worth..I guess some people find such people then they turn gay..coz nothnig else makes you feel on top of the world!

[lukeb]

I think homosexuality exsists..coz its natural.

 

That is really the answer. Trying to figure out what causes homosexuality to exist would be the same thing as trying to figure out what causes heterosexuality. Has anyone ever tried to do a study on what exactly causes heterosexuality? From a scientific point of view it is an equally valid question.

 

We dont think about it because gays are probably in the minority and thereforee considered not normal. It is important to realize that this is a belief and has no basis in fact. When we believe something isn't normal we automatically assume some sort of a reason or cause and want to find out why.

 

"Why am I not normal?"

[chiefoptimizer]

That is really the answer. Trying to figure out what causes homosexuality to exist would be the same thing as trying to figure out what causes heterosexuality. Has anyone ever tried to do a study on what exactly causes heterosexuality? From a scientific point of view it is an equally valid question.

 

We dont think about it because gays are probably in the minority and thereforee considered not normal. It is important to realize that this is a belief and has no basis in fact. When we believe something isn't normal we automatically assume some sort of a reason or cause and want to find out why.

 

"Why am I not normal?"

 

well, there is a reason heterosexuality exists in nature - to make babies!

[lukeb]

well, there is a reason heterosexuality exists in nature - to make babies!

 

but what causes it? ....

[chiefoptimizer]

but what causes it? ....

 

natural selection. if you don't make loads of babies, your genes won't survive. life is about propagating genes. thereforee genes that don't help your body to make copies of itself and the genes won't be very successful.