Born This Way? The Problems with Innate Sexual Orientation Arguments for LGBT Equality

The “Born This Way” Argument for LGBT Equality: Is it Accurate?

For years, the “born this way” argument has been used to promote equality for the LGBTQ+ community. But is it scientifically accurate? According to research presented in a video script, the answer is no.

While sexual orientation does often express itself early and consistently, there is a fair amount of fluidity in sexual attractions. National and international studies have tracked tens of thousands of individuals for five, ten, fifteen years, and found that sexual attractions can change over time. Some individuals start out exclusively attracted to one gender, and over time they find themselves attracted to both genders or vice versa. Some bisexual individuals shift from being more drawn to one gender to being more drawn to the other.

This fluidity contradicts the “born this way” argument, which implies that sexual orientation is innate and fixed at birth. While there is strong evidence for genetic contributions to sexual orientation, those contributions do not determine an individual’s entire sexual lifespan from birth. If sexuality were entirely locked down by genes, then if you had two identical twins and one twin was gay, the other twin would be gay 100% of the time because they have the same genes. But in reality, twin studies have found that if you have two identical twins and one twin is gay, the other twin is gay only 30 to 40% of the time. This is evidence that genes influence sexual orientation, but they do not provide the last word on every sexual feeling an individual will have.

The Scientific Evidence Against the Innateness of Sexual Orientation

The idea that sexual orientation is innate and fixed at birth has been used to promote equality for the LGBTQ+ community. However, research suggests that this idea is not entirely accurate. While there is strong evidence for genetic contributions to sexual orientation, those contributions do not determine an individual’s entire sexual lifespan from birth.

According to the video script, sexual attraction can fluctuate on its own, and trying to forcibly eliminate same-sex attractions is ineffective, harmful, and unethical. Conversion therapy, a practice aimed at changing an individual’s sexual orientation, has been discredited by all major medical and psychological associations. Study after study has shown that it does not work and can lead to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts.

The fluidity of sexual attraction also contradicts the idea that sexual orientation is innate and fixed at birth. Gender and sexual development show a lot more variability than most people realize, and that variability often leads to change over time in sexual attractions. The video script suggests that while sexual orientation does often express itself early and consistently, there is a fair amount of fluidity in sexual attractions. National and international studies have tracked tens of thousands of individuals for five, ten, fifteen years, and found that sexual attractions can change over time.

In conclusion, the scientific evidence suggests that sexual orientation is not entirely innate and fixed at birth. While genetics do play a role, an individual’s entire sexual lifespan is not determined at birth. The fluidity of sexual attraction indicates that it can change over time, and attempting to forcibly change an individual’s sexual orientation is not only ineffective but also harmful and unethical.

Fluidity of Sexual Attraction: What it Tells Us About Innateness

The fluidity of sexual attraction is often overlooked in discussions about the innateness of sexual orientation. As mentioned in the video script, some individuals start out exclusively attracted to one gender and over time find themselves attracted to both genders, or vice versa. Some bisexual individuals shift from being more drawn to one gender to being more drawn to the other. This fluidity indicates that sexual orientation is not entirely innate and fixed at birth.

The video script acknowledges that there is strong evidence for genetic contributions to sexual orientation, but those contributions do not determine an individual’s entire sexual lifespan from birth. The video script suggests that genetics push the development of sexuality in a certain direction, but genes do not provide the last word on every sexual feeling an individual will ever have. Twin studies have found that if you have two identical twins and one twin is gay, the other twin is gay 30 to 40% of the time, which is higher than you would expect by chance alone.

The fluidity of sexual attraction tells us that sexual orientation is more complex than the idea that it is fixed at birth. While sexual orientation may often express itself early and consistently, there is a fair amount of fluidity in sexual attractions. Gender and sexual development show a lot more variability than most people realize, and that variability often leads to change over time in sexual attractions.

In conclusion, the fluidity of sexual attraction indicates that sexual orientation is not entirely innate and fixed at birth. While there is strong evidence for genetic contributions to sexual orientation, genetics do not determine an individual’s entire sexual lifespan from birth. The complexity of sexual attraction suggests that attempting to forcibly change an individual’s sexual orientation is not only ineffective but also harmful and unethical.

Why the Born This Way Argument is Not Legally Necessary

The “born this way” argument has been used to invoke the equal protection clause of the Constitution, which prohibits discrimination against individuals based on certain traits. However, immutability or fixedness of the trait is not the only factor that courts consider when deciding whether a trait merits protection from discrimination.

Courts have increasingly devoted attention to whether discriminating against LGBT individuals has any rational basis or whether it is just plain old unconstitutional hatred and prejudice. This is the basis on which important battles for LGBT equality, such as Romer v. Evans and Lawrence v. Texas, have been won.

While the idea of being born with a certain trait can be a useful argument for invoking the equal protection clause, it is not legally necessary. Courts can consider other factors when deciding whether a trait merits protection from discrimination. Discrimination against LGBT individuals has been found to lack any rational basis, making it unconstitutional.

In conclusion, while the “born this way” argument can be useful in legal contexts, it is not legally necessary. Courts have found that discrimination against LGBT individuals lacks any rational basis, making it unconstitutional.

Equal Protection Claims for LGBT Individuals: Immutability vs Rational Basis

The “born this way” argument is often used to invoke the equal protection clause of the Constitution, which prohibits discrimination against individuals based on certain traits. However, immutability or fixedness of the trait is not the only factor that courts consider when deciding whether a trait merits protection from discrimination.

Courts have increasingly focused on whether discrimination against LGBT individuals has any rational basis or whether it is just plain old unconstitutional hatred and prejudice. This has been the basis on which important battles for LGBT equality, such as Romer v. Evans and Lawrence v. Texas, have been won.

While the immutability or fixedness of sexual orientation is often used to argue that LGBT individuals are deserving of equal protection, this argument may not always be necessary. Courts have increasingly focused on the rationality of discrimination against LGBT individuals, finding that such discrimination lacks any rational basis and is thus unconstitutional.

This focus on rational basis has been instrumental in securing important legal victories for LGBT individuals. For example, in Romer v. Evans, the Supreme Court struck down a Colorado constitutional amendment that prohibited localities from enacting laws protecting LGBT individuals from discrimination. The court found that the amendment lacked any rational basis and was thus unconstitutional.

In conclusion, while the immutability or fixedness of sexual orientation can be a useful argument in invoking the equal protection clause, it is not the only factor that courts consider. The focus on rational basis has been instrumental in securing important legal victories for LGBT individuals.

The Injustice of the Born This Way Argument for LGBT Equality

The born this way argument implies that being LGBT is a fault, and it’s something that we should be pitied for. However, the LGBT community wants dignity, autonomy, and self-determination. This argument is also unjust because it implies that some LGBT individuals are more deserving of acceptance and equality than others. Bisexual individuals, in particular, have faced dismissal and denial of their experiences. Bisexuals are sometimes denigrated for not belonging to the gay community, but research shows that there are actually more individuals with bisexual attractions than exclusive same-sex attractions. The born this way argument can also backfire when it comes to bisexuals. For example, a woman in a study ended up getting involved with a man, and she was actively hiding this relationship from her parents. She said that they only accepted her because they thought she couldn’t help but be with women. It’s important to remember that we all deserve acceptance and equality, regardless of when, how, or why we identify as LGBT.

The Dismissal of Bisexual Experiences in the Born This Way Argument

The born this way argument can also be harmful and unjust towards bisexual individuals, who may face dismissal or denial of their experiences due to their attraction to multiple genders. This argument implies that individuals who fit a certain cultural stereotype of being exclusively gay or lesbian are more deserving of acceptance and equality than those who may identify as bisexual or whose attractions are more fluid. This dismissal of bisexuality is a long-standing issue in the LGBT community, with some individuals being denigrated as not truly belonging to the community because they sometimes engage in opposite-sex relationships.

Large-scale population studies have found that there are actually more individuals out there with bisexual attractions than exclusively same-sex attractions. This means that dismissing or denying bisexual experiences is not only unjust, but also goes against the reality of sexual attraction. Bisexual individuals may also face pressure to conform to the born this way argument, with some being told that their attraction to multiple genders is a choice and that they should choose heterosexuality instead. This is not acceptance, and it is certainly not equality.

In the end, the way someone identifies or experiences their attraction should have no bearing on their worth or their right to acceptance and equality. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, autonomy, and self-determination, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It is important to recognize and acknowledge the diversity and complexity of human sexuality, and to support and uplift all individuals within the LGBT community.

Acceptance and Equality for All: Why Our Genes Are Not the Issue

Although the scientific evidence does not support the “born this way” argument, it is important to remember that one’s sexual orientation or gender identity is a fundamental aspect of who they are, regardless of whether it is innate or not. LGBT individuals have been subjected to discrimination and prejudice throughout history, and it is essential to fight for their acceptance and equality regardless of their genetic makeup.

There are many examples of groups that have faced discrimination despite their genetic makeup. For instance, people with genetic predispositions for certain illnesses or disabilities have been discriminated against in the past. Similarly, people with certain racial or ethnic backgrounds have also faced discrimination despite having no control over their genetic makeup.

Ultimately, the issue at hand is not whether sexual orientation is innate or not, but rather whether LGBT individuals deserve the same rights and protections as everyone else. All people should be able to live freely and express themselves without fear of discrimination or prejudice. This includes the right to marry, adopt children, and access healthcare without discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

In conclusion, while the scientific evidence may not fully support the “born this way” argument, this should not diminish the importance of fighting for acceptance and equality for LGBT individuals. Everyone deserves to live their life free from discrimination and prejudice, regardless of their genetic makeup.

Conclusion

The “Born This Way” argument has been a major part of the LGBT movement’s push for equal rights and acceptance. However, as we have seen, the scientific evidence for the innateness of sexual orientation is still inconclusive. Furthermore, the argument itself can be detrimental to the movement’s goals by reinforcing harmful stereotypes and overlooking the experiences of bisexual individuals.

It is important to recognize that regardless of the innateness of sexual orientation, every individual deserves equal rights and acceptance. The legal protection of LGBT individuals should not rely solely on the concept of immutability or innateness, as this can leave out individuals who may not fit into these narrow definitions.

Instead, we should focus on the principle of equal protection under the law and the elimination of discrimination in all forms. We must recognize that everyone has the right to live as their authentic selves and pursue happiness, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Furthermore, we must continue to challenge harmful stereotypes and expand our understanding of sexuality and gender identity. We should acknowledge the diversity and fluidity of human experiences and strive for a world that accepts and celebrates all individuals.

In conclusion, while the “Born This Way” argument may have been a useful tool in the fight for LGBT rights, it is time to move beyond it and focus on promoting acceptance and equality for all individuals, regardless of their genetics or experiences.