“LONDON, England (Reuters) — Genetic factors, along with cultural and early experiences, influence male homosexuality, Italian scientists said on Wednesday.”
One study is by no means conclusive proof. This particular study evaluated 198 men and 4,600 relatives.
Few exgays, even those who successfully “change” their behavior, seem to be able to change their same-sex sexual attractions. I would like to see a great deal more study of non-genetic, biological factors.
As I expected, the genetic factors of sexual orientation aren’t limited to a single ‘gay gene’ as the anti-gay crowd use for a straw man argument.
I’m eager to see what research tell us about its epigenetic factors as well.
I can’t wait to hear the Throckmorton/Dobson/Mohler/Nicholosi spin on this story.
I give them 3 days to come up with some sort of pathetic rebuttal.
Wayne Besen and I had an testy e-mail exchange with Throckmorton today and here’s some of Throcmorton’s spin, as well as Waynes’s comments and one of my comments to Wayne in response to Throckmortons statements:
THROCKMORTON:
I support the right of these groups to support change and to advance their theories but my differences with the reparative theory are well known by all of these groups. I think that there are some people who can trace their same sex attractions back to issues within their families.
However, there are many other environmental factors that contribute to sexual affections and attitudes beyond one’s family. I did not say that these theories are bogus for all people but I do not believe they fit all people who are same sex attracted.
Warren Throckmorton, PhD
http://www.drthrockmorton.com
http://www.idoexist.net
WAYNE BESEN:
Warren:
You have spent your entire career pushing this notion, by your support of groups like Exodus. What I’m hearing you say on the record is that you believe the theories put forth by your counterparts – Dr. Nicolosi, Exodus, Elizabeth Moberly and Richard Cohen are bogus. Please clarify, because your seeming refutation of central tenants of reparative therapy is rather newsworthy.
Finally, the life of countless gay people who are close to their same-sex parent isn’t debatable. It’s a fact. Let’s put it this way, Doc: I’m close to my Dad. “I Do Exist”.
Wayne Besen
http://www.WayneBesen.com
Warren:
While the research is not definitive, it consistently points in the general direction that biology or genetics are largely, if not completely, behind sexual orientation.
Sure, the science is not complete. But your theory that a person is gay because of a distant same-sex parent has already been disproved. There is incontrovertible evidence that countless gay men and lesbians are close their same sex parent.
In fact, I’m very close to my father. He is offended by your work, and thinks it is wrong for you to create a phony cause and effect (Distant Dad = Gay Man).
You are quick to point out the supposed flaws in genetic research. In the interest of fairness, when will you be as diligent in addressing the gaping holes in your own theories?
Bottom line. The evidence pointing out that sexual orientation has biological origins, while incomplete, is a lot more credible than your already disproved theory.
Sincerely,
Wayne Besen
MY COMMENTS TO WAYNE:
Wayne,
Warren Throckmorton sure seems to be getting testy!! He must be worried about all the influence he’ll lose in the “Christian” Right circles and all the money he’ll lose if this genetic research is further confirmed and the demand for his speaking appearances and “ex-gay” materials dries up.
Michael
P.S. My b/f is very close to his dad as well – his dad calls him every day, in fact. I also have numerous other gay friends with similar close and loving relationships with their dads. They do exist too. How does Warren explain their existence??
I have a lot to say on this issue, which will be posted tomorrow or the next day. I just want to note at this point that this blog has been advertised in the most recent Advocate. Kudos, Mike.
Well, maybe.