Running Head: HOMOSEXUALITY: NATURE VS.

NURTURE

Homosexuality: Nature vs. Nurture

Jason Hwang
Shoreline Community COllege

HOMOSEXUALITY: NATURE VS. NURTURE

Homosexuality: Nature vs. Nurture

It is commonly known that a couple is made up of a man and a woman. It has always
been this way since the beginning of man; even in the Bible, it is written that God created Adam,
a male, and Eve, a female, declaring that man should not have to live without a female
counterpart, and that they belong together. Man would simply not exist if it were not for this
inherent attraction to the opposite sex. A primary goal of any species is to find a mate or partner
and procreate: to procreate is to survive and exist, and in order to do so, there tends to be a need
for a female and a male. However, this natural, inherent attraction for the opposite sex does not
exist within every species nor every indvidial human, nor is it a new phenomenon. For even in
the bible, the people of Sodom had often practiced lecherous acts, many of which were same-sex.
Since then, however, the stigma and condemnation that is attributed to homosexuality has
lessened, albeit it still being a highly controversial subject.
The purpose of this case study is to share the information and thoughts gathered through
personal experiences and exposure to news and media on the psychological phenomenon that is
homosexuality. The information and ideas presented are subject to bias and is comprised of
personal thoughts and opinions. The review will introduce and define the topic of homosexuality
from a neutral standpoint, and then present thoughts and ideas based on personal experiences.
Sexual Orientation and Homosexuality Defined
Sexual orientation is defined as an enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or
sexual attractions to men, women, or both sexes (APA, 2008). Sexual orientation is discussed in
three categories: heterosexuality (opposite sex attraction), homosexuality (same sex attraction),
and bisexuality (either sex attraction). The form of attraction can be emotional, romantic, or

HOMOSEXUALITY: NATURE VS. NURTURE

sexual. The most common sexual orientation is heterosexuality, which is what most people
attribute to be the proper sexual orientation in modern-day society.
Controversy
Homosexuality is a highly controversial subject, mainly due to religion. Those who
denounce homosexuals claim that it is wrong and shameful; that man should be with a woman as
it were intended by God. The bible depicts homosexuality as a sin and condemns all those who
engage in homosexual activities; they assert that God made man to be with only women, and to
disobey God is to accept condemnation. Others argue that being homosexual is not a choice,
saying that they were born that way. According to the CIA World Factbooks 2007 consensus,
only about 4% of the U.S. population is not religious, and most of the populations religious
belief are attributed to the Protestant church (51%). Over the years, however, more people have
been advocating for equality and rights that include sexual minorities.
Many people argue whether nature (biological) or nuture (environment and social
interactions) influences sexual orientation. Proponents of nature being the main factor believe
that there are hormonal or growth factors, and some even say that it is a disease that makes one
homosexual. Those that believe that nuture is the main reason say that interactions with family or
friends at any age can influence sexual orientation. Sigmund Freud's basic theory of human
sexuality said that all human beings were innately bisexual, and that they become heterosexual or
homosexual as a result of their experiences with parents and others (Freud, 1905). There is no
consensus among scientists as to what determines sexual orientation because of the many factors.
Personal Experiences and Exposure to News and Media
In the past, it was difficult for me to think about how one could change to be attracted to
those of the same sex, but I also thought it was absurd that people could be born homosexual. I

HOMOSEXUALITY: NATURE VS. NURTURE

thought that it had to be one or the other: that there was a concrete determinant that decided
whether or not one was/is/or would be homosexual. Whether it be the environment and their
interactions that influenced their sexual orientation, or if it were biological, I did not know.
Through news, media, and personal experiences, I have determined that there is no concrete
reason as to why there is same-sex attraction. There are too many factors to take into account,
any of which could be the reason for homosexuality.
As a heterosexual christian, it is difficult for me to understand the many different
viewpoints that come from homosexuals. However, I have met people, some of whom are from
my church, that are homosexual, and have helped me understand a bit more about this
psychological phenomenom. One in particular, a christian, is trying very hard to change his
sexual orientation, but finds it near impossible. He fears that he will have to live in solitude or
else he will face condemnation. This is only one case of many, and there have been many that are
similar. A case similar to this would be Pastor and Bishop, Jim Swilley. He claims that sexual
orientation is not a choice, and that he was born that way, but it has not deterred him from his
religious belief. Many others say that theyve chosen to be homosexual or bisexual claiming that
the opposite sex is simply not good enough. Sexual orientations are very general, and to simply
say that one is gay/lesbian does not explain any rationale for homosexuality nor the type of
orientation.
From what I have gathered from personal experiences, news, and media, you cannot
concretely say which is the determining factor: nature or nuture. Rather, it is almost impossible
to determine in any case as to what factor influences sexual orientation. Every case is unique,
and one cannot come up with a simple explanation to define or explain the psychological
phenomenom of sexual orientation and homosexuality.

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References
AmericanPsychologicalAssociation.(2008).Answerstoyourquestions:Forabetter
understandingofsexualorientationandhomosexuality.Washington,DC:Author.
[Retrievedfromwww.apa.org/topics/sorientation.pdf.]
Central Intelligence Agency. (1998). The World Factbook page on United States, Section:
People. In 1997 World Factbook [Online database]. Retrieved November 22, 1998, from
the World Wide Web: <http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/countryframe.html>.
Freud, S. (1905). Three essays on the theory of sexuality. In J. Strachey (Ed. and Trans.), The
standard edition of the complete psychological works of Sigmund Freud. (Vol. 7, pp. 123245). London: Hogarth Press. (Original work published 1905)