To be gay or not to be gay... that is the question

[Duemellon]

Page last updated at 23:28 GMT, Monday, 16 June 2008 00:28 UK
Scans see 'gay brain differences' (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7456588.stm)
The brains of gay men and women look like those found in heterosexual people of the opposite sex, research suggests.

The Swedish study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal, compared the size of the brain's halves in 90 adults.

Gay men and heterosexual women had halves of a similar size, while the right side was bigger in lesbian women and heterosexual men.

A UK scientist said this was evidence sexual preference was set in the womb.

Scientists have noticed for some time that homosexual people of both sexes have differences in certain cognitive abilities, suggesting there may be subtle differences in their brain structure.

This is the first time, however, that scientists have used brain scanners to try to look for the source of those differences.

...

[Duemellon]

Now, me personally? I believe there are some who are gay because they were predisposed to be. I believe some are gay because they chose to be (or were convinced they were). I believe, if they like/feel comfortable with their choice, even if it's fleeting, it's fine.

Heck, back when I was single I was encouraged by every gay guy I met,... that meant one less sausage to compete with.

[silentpaul]

The important thing we need to know out of this is which type of brain zombies are more stongly drawn to. If it's the brain of heterosexual men and gay women, then I'm switching sides. It's the only sensible thing to do.

[drougan]

Interesting.....but isn't the right side the one most typically cited as being involved in the creative processes, where sociologically you might find a higher concentration of gay men and women (actors, writers, artists)? I also seriously wonder whether the brainsize is the cause or the result of homosexuality.

[frizgolf]

Great, that's all we need to know. Now they'll be mandating surgery to fix those darn gays.

[skidminix]

I also seriously wonder whether the brainsize is the cause or the result of homosexuality.

You mean, it could be because they always have penis vs. vagina on the brain? Sorry, couldn't resist. :o

[Duemellon]

Interesting.....but isn't the right side the one most typically cited as being involved in the creative processes, where sociologically you might find a higher concentration of gay men and women (actors, writers, artists)?I think that notion, that left/right hemispheres are the "cause" of creativity needs to be challenged. I am right handed & I am one of the most creative people (as people have told me, much to their praise, surprise, & also regret).I also seriously wonder whether the brainsize is the cause or the result of homosexuality.Or just tangentally related?

[skidminix]

Or just tangenitally related?

lolz....... :D

[lutz]

I also seriously wonder whether the brainsize is the cause or the result of homosexuality.You can ask that question of almost every psychological discovery, which is why we still know so little about the human mind.

[Breeze]

You can ask that question of almost every psychological discovery, which is why we still know so little about the human mind.

Well, the brain and the mind are not necessarily synonymous. The brain is a physical organ. Mind refers to one's intellect and consciousness, an amalgam of thought, perception, emotion, will, and imagination. One can measure the size of a person's brain; you can't, however, measure the size of their mind.

[akip]

makes sense to me. doesn't really have to do with which hand is dominant, but that activity is taking place on both sides of the brain---the analytical and the intuitive, the spatial and the abstract.

[Homsar]

Yeah I saw a 20 second thing on the news about this. I was like "Oh, THAT'S not controversial!"

I honestly don't know if I think it's behavioral or psysiological anyway. Either would work I guess.

[markalot]

Gay men and heterosexual women had halves of a similar size, while the right side was bigger in lesbian women and heterosexual men.

So which side of the brain is used for aiming?

[epeolatry]

The important thing we need to know out of this is which type of brain zombies are more stongly drawn to. If it's the brain of heterosexual men and gay women, then I'm switching sides. It's the only sensible thing to do.

hahah, seriously laughed out loud!

Great, that's all we need to know. Now they'll be mandating surgery to fix those darn gays.

i don't have health insurance-- they're not operating on me! :D

[frizgolf]

i don't have health insurance-- they're not operating on me! :D

Oh, heck, that may be the thing to get fundies on board with national health insurance, huh?
"We'll fix all those demented gays once and for all with nationalized health care!" :eek:

[Breeze]

Oh, heck, that may be the thing to get fundies on board with national health insurance, huh?
"We'll fix all those demented gays once and for all with nationalized health care!" :eek:

Going commie to combat the homos. Now that would be funny.

[drougan]

Going commie to combat the homos. Now that would be funny.

Well, we've already gone fascist to fight the terror, it's only the next logical step.

[Breeze]

Well, we've already gone fascist to fight the terror, it's only the next logical step.

Yeah, should've gone gay to fight the terrorists. :rolleyes:

[epeolatry]

this thread is made of win.

[drougan]

Yeah, should've gone gay to fight the terrorists. :rolleyes:

Nah...they'll have to go gay to save marriage. ;)

[ICONOCLAST420]

Oh, heck, that may be the thing to get fundies on board with national health insurance, huh?
"We'll fix all those demented gays once and for all with nationalized health care!" :eek:

The fundies will dismiss this study as modern day darwinism and continue to insist that gays are under satanic control as in the days of Sodom and only Jeeebus can save them.

And then their preacher will buy a bag of meth and a massage from a male prostitute.

[the-dude]

The fundies will dismiss this study as modern day darwinism and continue to insist that gays are under satanic control as in the days of Sodom and only Jeeebus can save them.

And then their preacher will buy a bag of meth and a massage from a male prostitute.

Only Hete-Roy can save us now!
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xp7r4_heteroy_life

[Shlep]

Interesting.....but isn't the right side the one most typically cited as being involved in the creative processes, where sociologically you might find a higher concentration of gay men and women (actors, writers, artists)?

Yes. However, the left side of the brain has way more flair and overall "attitude" than the right.

Hope that clears it up for ya. :D

On a more serious note: you may be right about the relative representation of gays in the artistic and creative realm, but I think it may be just as likely that it merely *seems* that way by virtue of the fact that creative/artsy/boho types tend to be more open and accepting of gays, which in turn fosters the sort of environment where they are much more willing to openly identify themselves as gay.

Personally, it was my understanding that the professions that attracted a lopsidedly high percentage of gays was the service and hospitality industries.

[drougan]

On a more serious note: you may be right about the relative representation of gays in the artistic and creative realm, but I think it may be just as likely that it merely *seems* that way by virtue of the fact that creative/artsy/boho types tend to be more open and accepting of gays, which in turn fosters the sort of environment where they are much more willing to openly identify themselves as gay.


Yeah, I've kind of always thought that myself. It's another chicken v egg situation.

[akip]

On a more serious note: you may be right about the relative representation of gays in the artistic and creative realm, but I think it may be just as likely that it merely *seems* that way by virtue of the fact that creative/artsy/boho types tend to be more open and accepting of gays, which in turn fosters the sort of environment where they are much more willing to openly identify themselves as gay.


although it seems that for many, dressing up in their mom's peignoir and ostrich feathered mules at 5 years old, and obsessing over her wardrobe predates any larger social context.