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prater - There is, indeed, a fairly large body of scientific data that compellingly shows, but not absolutely prove, that gayness is both genetically and biologically inborn.

There are several centers or nuclei in the brain that are different in gay vs straight people. These centers were measured by researchers who were blinded to the sexual orientation of the subjects. The measured differences were very consistent statistically. One site I read said that homosexuals simply don't have the brains to be attracted to women.

The incidence of gayness is about 3-5% in the general population. That is the same incidence found in siblings of gay individuals. Among fraternal twins, the incidence of gayness in the twin if the other was gay is 22%. Among identical twins, the incidence of concordant gayness is 50%.

There is evidence that sexual behavior in gay males is determined by a testosterone surge produced by the fetal testicles in one week of fetal development. If the testosterone surge is too low or too late, then the incidence of gayness increases significantly.

There is a gene marker (called XQ28) on the X chromosome that is different in straight vs gay men. That is probably the reason why there is a tendency for male gayness to run in the maternal side of the family. The mother donates the X chromosome; the father donates the Y chromosome.

The establishment of sexual orientation, both straight and gay, is multifactorial - genetic, biologic, and probably social to some degree. That is why the incidence of gayness in identical twins is 50%, but not 100%.

All medical and social work practitioners recognize that the attraction to alcohol and drugs is largely determined by genetic factors. That is why the struggle to remain alcohol and drug free is a life-long battle. Addicts can not be un-attracted to substances. They can only struggle to refrain from using it.

By the same token, gay people can not be un-attracted to the opposite sex. They can not be "re-educated" to become straight. If you want them to not be gay, the only option is for them to refrain from gay behavior. But the gay attraction is forever there.

It is like asking a straight male to be not attracted to a beautiful, sexy woman. It is impossible.

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