Homosexuality and Health

[puglover]

I've heard that homosexuals have a lower general health and life expectancy than heterosexuals, and therefore that homosexuality is an unhealthy practice.

I've also heard that homosexuality is a genetic anomaly, possibly caused by the antibodies of the mother in the womb, and therefore that homosexuality is pure genetics and that sexual attraction is beyond an individual's control.

Are either of these claims based in fact or evidence? I can't see any evidence either way. Perhaps someone could enlighten me?

Thanks

 

[GenMarshall]

All I have to say is be prepared to hear MobBoss bring in boxes of boxes on how Homosexuals have a higher chance on catching AIDS than a streight person.

Moderator Action: Warned for trolling. Eyrei.
Please read the forum rules: http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=422889

 

[friskymike]

Well, guys in general are more interested in sex than long term consequences and partake in riskier activities than women, so its no suprise that when you put two homosexual guys together there is probably a much higher chance they will have unprotected sex than a heterosexual couple. Thats nothing inherently due to homosexuality though.

And as far as sexuality being beyond an individuals control, I would believe this. I have had a friend since childhood come out as being gay, he told me he always knew that he fancied men since puberty or even before. And he had girlfriends and everything in the time I knew him, in an effort to fit in and try and "be normal". I have conversed with other gay guys about this, they tell me the same thing.

So I think Mobboss' theories on "being turned gay" after "trying it and liking it" are false. You are either attracted to men, or you aren't, and theres nothing you can do to change it. Personally, I'm thankful I'm attracted to women because I wouldn't want to put up with the crappy way small-minded insecure individuals and our society as a whole still treat homosexuals.

 

[Mr Moron]

Well, I can't speak for any homosexuals but I certainly know I didn't choose my sexuality. Can't imagine it'd be too different for them.

 

[puglover]

So I think Mobboss' theories on "being turned gay" after "trying it and liking it" are false. You are either attracted to men, or you aren't, and theres nothing you can do to change it.

But do you think homosexuality is determined at birth or by circumstances leading up to puberty?

 

[El_Machinae]

Left-handed people have a life expectancy that's about 10 years lower than a right-handed person. If we're going to start discouraging lifestyle choices for health, we should start training lefties!

 

[Perfection]

I've heard that homosexuals have a lower general health and life expectancy than heterosexuals, and therefore that homosexuality is an unhealthy practice.

This is true, while some of it has to do with a higher propensity to engage in risky activity, a lot of it has to do with the social stigma of beinga homosexual.

I've also heard that homosexuality is a genetic anomaly, possibly caused by the antibodies of the mother in the womb, and therefore that homosexuality is pure genetics and that sexual attraction is beyond an individual's control.

I don't think it's genetic, I've heard it's more about embryonic hormonal exposure. But in any case it's very much clear to the medical establishment that sexual attraction is not controllable by the individual.

 

[GenMarshall]

I've heard that homosexuals have a lower general health and life expectancy than heterosexuals, and therefore that homosexuality is an unhealthy practice.

I would say that they have a general lower mental health and life expectancy. Not because of their lifestyle, but what they face in day to day living in a streight world. I say they have a lower mental health. Especialy teenage and young adult homosexuals since they face depression, bullying , as well as suicide.

Suicide and homophobic murders is what I believe shortens a homosexual's life expectancy. I believe to combat against this is that people should be more tolerant of Homosexuals and not show any unjust discrimination against them.

I've also heard that homosexuality is a genetic anomaly, possibly caused by the antibodies of the mother in the womb, and therefore that homosexuality is pure genetics and that sexual attraction is beyond an individual's control.

The way I see it is are the following factors:
1. Its genetic (This is still in debate)
2. Hormonal Conditions in the mother's womb
3. Choice (Though this is a luxury that bisexuals have and would only apply to bis themselves)

 

[Smellincoffee]

I read the study about hormonal conditions in the womb, and it only applies to males -- as far as I know, they haven't found a genetic cause for homosexuality in females.

 

[Abaddon]

Left-handed people have a life expectancy that's about 10 years lower than a right-handed person. If we're going to start discouraging lifestyle choices for health, we should start training lefties!

Aww, crap- whys this?

I thought leftys lived LONGER.

better at fighting, drink different side of cup/touch different side of door so less risk of infection.

 

[ironduck]

Left-handed people have a life expectancy that's about 10 years lower than a right-handed person. If we're going to start discouraging lifestyle choices for health, we should start training lefties!

I take it you base that on the study by Stanley Coren and Diane Halpern? It has been completely torn apart so I wouldn't lend any credibility to it whatsoever. Here's one link, you'll find many if you google it http://newsrelease.uwaterloo.ca/news.php?id=70

edit - another link http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1:795...ook+again~R~+(left-handedness).html?refid=SEO, and note that was back in 1989. Surprising the '10 years' still is quoted.

 

[MobBoss]

Dont worry, I wont offer my boxes and boxes of evidence. No need to.

Bottom line, its still up in the air. Most likely it occurs from a variety of reasons, some biological, some psychological. Please bear in mind that biological does not necessarily equate to something being genetic.

As for health and longevity....any person that participates in risky behavior that can affect their health is pretty much in for a much shorter lifespan than someone who doesnt (on average).

Also, please realize that such research that indicates it occurs from a biological/chemical issue in the womb or it is a genetic anomaly is a possible two edged sword. To me, this proof would possibly indicate that it could be an anomaly that is curable - from either altering the chemistry in the womb or some type of "gene therapy" to be researched.

As in many things...be careful what you wish for. You may get it and it doesnt turn out exactly what you wanted it to be.

 

[capslock]

Who you have sex with is 100% a choice.

Normal people can have sex with the same sex, queers can have sex with the opposite sex. We aren't robots, our programming doesn't have 100% control over us.

I'm sure that there are factors (genes, hormones, upbringing, etc) that affect who you would want to do it with that are out of your control, but the lifestyle you live is your choice, and is something you control.

You can be gay with out being a flaming girly man. If you chose to break social norms and live a disgustingly deviant life, there will be consequences. Sorry you don't fit in, but you are a weirdo, living a queer life. Conform to social norms, keep your queer sex life at home (there are LOTS of wierdo fetishes, they don't have a problem with this) and there won't be any problems.

 

[ironduck]

Is the above post supposed to make sense? I have no idea what you just tried to say.

 

[ummmm........]

He's trying to say that gay men can have sex with women (true) and straight men can have sex with men (true).

He then goes on to say that gay men should have sex with women, while straight men should not have sex with men.

I guess whether that makes sense is up to the individual reader . . .

 

[ironduck]

I'm not sure.. I think maybe he said that it was ok to be gay, but not to make it public?

 

[ummmm........]

I can see that, but I still think it's a generous interpretation of the text. Perhaps he will happen along to explain himself . . .

 

[warpus]

He's basically saying that gay people should pretend to be straight in public in order not to make anyone uncomfortable.

 

[ummmm........]

I think we can agree he's said that. It's the extent to which the subterfuge should be carried out that is the question. Should they abstain from sex entirely? Is it enough for them to merely keep discussion of their homosexual relationships private, or should they also pursue public heterosexual relationships so as to make, um, "other" people more comfortable? Is public heterosexual flirting sufficient, or should they marry? Are children necessary? What is the precise degree to which they should deny themselves?

 

[warpus]

Maybe we should just lock all of them up in camps where they can be gay all they want.

And while we're at it - let's get rid of the Scots.