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Homosexuality

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Homosexuality
“Running head”, HOMOSEXUALITY: LEARNED BEHAVIOR OR INBORN

Homosexuality: Learned Behavior or Inborn

Bonita M. Smith
Capella University
HS 5334 Section 18

Abstract

Many people believe that gays are born that way. However, there is no scientific evidence to support that thought. This writer believes that sexual preference is a learned behavior and in an attempt to bring some light on the problem this writer will explore the science and behavior of homosexuality. Is homosexuality a sexual problem or is it an identity problem? Pro-Gay activists try to convince many that they cannot help who they are because their brains are just hot-wired that way. This writer believes that is ridiculous and each of us are made the way God intended us to be whether we are male or female our bodies know the difference and so do our minds, but identity crisis begins when we are just beginning our shaping stage of life and this is when this writer believes the identity factor begins to take shape or become out of shape. Inherited, environment, or learned. What influences our behavior and ultimately helps in deciding who we become? The answer to this question and more will be explored in this paper.

Outline

I. Introduction A. Homosexuality – what does it mean? B. Am I Gay?

II. Identity vs. Role Confusion A. Behavior B. Sexual stimulation C. Identity D. Lifestyle

III. Value Orientation A. Myths B. Values/Beliefs

IV. Self Discovery A. Coming Out B. Staying in the closet

V. Family Values A. Marriage vs. Partners B. All in the Family

VI. What does the Bible Say? A. Scripture based B. Homosexuality in the bible

VII. Conclusion

VIII. References

There have long been debates over whether or not homosexuality is learned behavior or genetic. Although there is no evidence that genetic or hormonal factors play any role in the development of homosexuality. An organization named



References: Abbott, Douglas A. Ph.D. (July 2007). Myths and misconceptions about behavioral genetics and homosexuality. Journal of Homosexuality, 28, 247-268. Family Trends. (2004). Gay and Lesbian Families. [Brochure]. Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Author. Hamer, D. H., Hu, S., Magnuson, V. L., Hu, N., & Pattatucci, A. (1993). A linkage between DNA markers on the X chromosome and male sexual orientations. Science, 261, 321. Hershberger, S. L. (1997). A twin registry study of male and female sexual orientation. The Journal of Sex Research, 34,212-218). Kristof, Nicholas. (2004, November 1). Just what does the bible say about gays? The Age Company Ltd. Retrieved April 26, 2008, from http://www.theage.com.au/articles Lewontin, R Pattatucci, A. M. (1998). Biopsychosicla interaction and the development of sexual orientation. In C. Patterson and A.D’Augelli, Lesbian, gay, and bisexual identities in families, pp. 19-35. New York: Oxford University Press. Savin-Williams, R.C. (1990). Gay and lesbian youth: Expressions of identity. New York: Hemisphere. Savin-Williams, R.C. (1998a). The disclosure to families of same sex attractions by lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 8, 49–68. Stacy, J. (2003). Gay and lesbian families: Queer like us. In M.A. Mason, A. Skolnick, & S.D. Sugarman (Eds.), All our families: New policies for a new century (pp. 144-169). New York: Oxford University Press. Winslow, E. F. (2005). Gays react to scent like women. Conservative News US. Retrieved April 26, 2008, from http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1400240/posts. Worthen, Frank. (n.d.). What is homosexuality? New Hope Ministries. Retrieved April 26, 2008 from, http://www.newhope123.org/links.htm

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