re: If homosexuals are “born that way”

quote:

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Then it’s a genetic trait. And if it’s a genetic trait wouldn’t have evolution made that characteristic “extinct” since homosexuals would obviously be procreating less prolifically than heterosexuals?

Anyone care to explain this to me?

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The research tends to indicate that there are a number of factors. Yes, there are a number of genetic markers that strongly associate with homosexuality. There are also indications that exposure to unusual hormone levels in utero may play a factor. It also seems clear that post-natal environmental factors can play a role. It seems that the genetic factors in particular may PREDISPOSE one to be gay, but they certainly do not mandate it.

Your question seems to be most-tied to the genetic element. If those markers were located on the Y chromosome and associated ONLY with male homosexuality, you might be correct and homosexuality would "die out" in a few generations. But the same genetic markers are also closely associated with a number of positive factors when present in females. I am not taking the time to find the data for you, but my recollection is that females with those markers tend to have (among other things) higher fertility rates.

So, the male homosexuals (obviously) are not passing those markers to the next generation in great numbers, but their straight sisters ARE doing so.

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EDIT

Here and here are a couple of summaries of the study, which seems to have been conducted in 2004.