The Gay Gene

Essay # 59936

Biology > Genetics
Gender and Sexuality > Homosexuality

The Gay Gene

An attempt to remove the prevalent misconception about the existence of a "gay gene".

2,304 words () | 10 sources | APA | 2005 India

Paper Summary:

This paper tries to explore the existence of "gay gene". Among several evidences, Hamer et al studies suggest that some genes at Xq28 region of X chromosome may influence the sexual behavior. The result of the study was wrongly presented by the media, which ultimately led to the development of a misconception among people at large, that homosexual behavior was governed by "gay gene". By presenting the facts in a lucid manner the paper tries to break the myth about the existence of "gay gene".

From the Paper:

"The study was much publicized by the media2 and a layman, not familiar with scientific terms, soon developed a misconception that a gay inherits his homosexual behavior. In this context, Dr. Jeffery Stainover (2002) says, "It is important to note that serious research on the biology, innateness, or genetic determinants of homosexuality has only just recently begun. Exactly opposite to what the public is being led to believe, the research that has been done so far suggests that genetic factors account for, at most, but a small proportion of the risk." (Chapter "The Biology of Homosexuality: Science or Politics")3. Infact, LeVay stressed that his findings did not prove that homosexuality is genetic."