Talk:Homosexuality and Genetics

This is a controversial topic. Please try HARD not to make any edits which you think MIGHT be reverted. Contributors can help each other to keep this page unprotected by discussing changes instead of making hasty changes. New users are advised to head to less contentious areas.

Perhaps there should be a controversy template on this? (To let people know they 'should ought to discuss edits first?) Samwell 00:35, 10 September 2007 (EDT)

I'm not really sure what the view on this would be. Generally, the desire is to make articles as easy to read as possible, and putting up signs on controversial topics would hamper that smooth reading environment. It is generally left to the editor to recognize that some subjects are controversial (obvious) and that a number of editors over time have created the article as it exists, and discussing changes first is preferred. Some of the changes recently inserted would certainly never stick. For instance the twin research is not favorable to any belief in a strictly genetic cause. Learn together 00:43, 10 September 2007 (EDT)

In looking further, I see other articles have it on their talk pages. I see no problem in adding it here. Learn together 00:54, 10 September 2007 (EDT)

The way the article is written, almost as an opinion piece, it's an invitation to people with something to say on the matter. Homosexuality is not "hard-wired" or inevitable in anybody, some people, seeing this, would think, "them's fightin' words!"

I agree that the twin studies show that the "gene only" hypotheses should be put to rest, still there might be a cause that we're yet unaware. Samwell 00:56, 10 September 2007 (EDT)

It's really not my place to say whether the article was of a "them's fightin' words" variety, but we still have to adhere to certain standards in editing regardless of personal opinion - namely using the talk page for the type of changes that were written. I took the least obstrusive path I could think of, a revert with a suggestion to come talk here. If the new user is serious about working with CP, then a direction has been provided. If the user wishes to lock horns, then that person probably won't be around for long. Learn together 01:58, 10 September 2007 (EDT)

There is more to the genome than just the DNA. There is methylation of DNA (adding of methyl groups (CH₃) on the outside of the helix that can deactivate genes. Even with identical twins, these patterns of metalization change over time. This pattern can also be inherited or affected by what is eaten. One study showed that if the mother had one X chromosome completely inactivated through methylation and the other active, this could impact the sexual preference of male offspring[1]. This is still being studied, but there may not be a gene as such that is at issue but yet something that can be inherited. --Rutm 12:05, 10 September 2007 (EDT)