Torn 3

Slowly as I have been reading, I find more and more things I need to discuss. This I found in a book for Gay and Lesbian Students. I had to laugh at this; this is something I would use if someone keeps asking you too many questions about WHY you are gay; especially if they are heterosexual. Throw this right back at them, and see if they can answer the same questions. >: )

3. Is it possible that your heterosexuality is just a phase you may grow out of?

4. Is it possible that your heterosexuality stems from a neurotic fear of members of the same sex?

6. If heterosexuality is normal, why are a disproportionate number of mental patients heterosexual?

8. The great majority of child molesters are heterosexuals (95%). Do you really consider it safe to expose your children to heterosexual teachers?

9. Heterosexuals are noted for assigning themselves and each other to narrowly restricted, stereotyped sex roles. Why do you cling to such an unhealthy form of role-playing?

11. There seem to be very few happy heterosexuals. Techniques have been developed that you might be able to use to change your sexual orientation. Have you considered aversion therapy to treat your sexual orientation?

13. Why do you make a point of attributing heterosexuality to famous people? Is it to justify your own heterosexuality?

14. If you've never slept with a person of the same sex, how would you know that you wouldn't prefer that?

15. Why do you insist on being so obvious and making a public spectacle of your heterosexuality? Can't you just be who you are and keep it quiet? (Rochlin, 1992, pp 203-204)

This man was/is absolutely brilliant, I think; not to mention it enlightens those that never asked themselves these questions. I know that this society is far from perfect, however, I wouldn't flush it down the toilet just yet. Aside from Europe, the United States would be one of the only places to be openly gay, and not be shot, taken to the gallows, or stoned to death. Unfortunately there are people that do feel that way, despite that the United States allows one to be free. Freedom of Religion, Freedom of Speech, and loving whom you want. However, there are loose ends that aren't tying up. Here's yet another issue I feel that needs to be addressed. Suicide.

Every day, 13 Americans ages 15 to 24 commit suicide. In 1989, suicide was the leading cause of death among gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youths. Lesbian and gay youths are two to three times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers, and they account for up to 30% of all completed suicides among youths. (U.S Department of Health and Human Services, 1989). A 1991 study of 137 gay and bisexual male youths found that 30% had attempted suicide once and 13% had made multiple attempts. The mean age of those attempting suicide was 15.5. Three quarters of first attempts came after the teenagers had labeled themselves as homosexual (Remafedi, Farrow, & Deisher, 1991).

Although young gays and lesbians face the same risk factors for suicide as heterosexual youths, issues of sexual orientation magnify those risks.

Hilda F. Besner and Charlotte I. Spungin. Gay and Lesbian Students. Taylor & Francis. 1995. Pg 49.

My motto is "live and let live". Or even better, don't worry about what someone else is doing, as long as it isn't hurting anyone else. I suggest you love who you want to love. What should it matter the outside of a person when its the inside that counts? I think this should be a good time for me to state, IF WE "CHOSE" THIS LIFE, TO BE GAY, THEN WHY ARE THERE SOME US THAT ARE DYING?!

None of us "chose" this, we were born this way. If we could just "change" our orientation, then why not "change" and become heterosexual? One would not have to result to death. You only think of death when there is no other option. Believe me, I have been there, thought of ending it, and it was at the moment I realized what I was and what obstacles I would be faced with.

Unfortunately we are a minority. When one thinks of minority, we usually think in racial terms. However, those numbers are constantly changing. Actually, in the near future, the dominant race will be Hispanics, followed by African Americans, and then Anglo-Saxons. But in the gay community, the numbers remain the same. However, there are a range of people that may not classify themselves as "gay", but have had encounters. Being gay/les is not black and white. Thats where the bi people come in. They fall in love with the person, not the sex.

When I was little, I didnt know it at the time, but we lived next door to two gay men, Steve and Allen. I just remember thinking that they were two men that lived together. As a child I had no realization that they were the equivalent to a married man and wife. To me, it made no difference. I remember that they owned two little dogs, Prissy, and Muffy. Every memory I can recall with them has always been a good one. Most of time I would walk next door, knock on the glass door, and want to play with Prissy and Muffy. I loved their dogs, and they would greet me with a hello, and then let the dogs out to play with me. I also remember my mom talking with Steve on one occasion. When we first moved in, he had given my mom flowers. My dad had made a joke about them hitting on her, however, she told him to watch his butt since they were gay (no offense to gay men). Steve had also given my mom this flowered cap. Steve was a gentle, warm-hearted man. Allen, his partner was into lifting weights, and unfortunately I dont remember talking to him often. Now I look back wishing I could've gone over to their place to talk with them instead of playing with their dogs. There were times they would have parties, and what I would give to be able to attend those now. Sadly, not long after they moved from Omaha, NE to somewhere in Virginia, I heard that Steve was diagnosed with AIDS. A few years later through some old friends, I heard from my mom that he had died. I never heard about what happened to Allen. Although I didn't really know either of them, I find myself often grieving for Steve. He now lives in my heart, granite of strength to continue on my path despite what happened to him.

Recently I turned 21. A whole new world has opened up for me. Alternative nights at clubs for one thing, and defining who I am and who I want to hang out with is another. Being able to buy alcohol has lost its magic touch. It was much more fun sneaking it, and having it when I wasnt suppose to, verses being able to buy it.

My now ex-best friend and I have recently split. Things get even more complicated when two people from changing backgrounds come together. This girl was the one I had prayed for 2 ½ years ago, and now I am more content with out her. For one, issues on just sexuality causes room for disagreement. Unfortunately, as one tries to become more diverse and gather new friends, you find yourself migrating towards those of your "own kind". I am by no means prejudice, but people like me will more than likely understand me. I get tired of hanging out with her and her boyfriend all the time. Its bad enough I get to deal with it everyday, but to have to watch your best friend and boyfriend make out in front of you, situations start getting really uncomfortable. Not to mention the whole equality issue that appears in my mind as her and another girl will talk about making out or showing PDA (public display of affection) with their boyfriends. I dont see it as fair or just, especially when I hear her make comments about two girls that are openly making out and should get a room. She has become a hypocrite, and not to mention, inconsiderate of others around her and how she is making them feel.

What I now define as a best friend has changed. One of my best friends is an online friend since we both know what its like being the "minority". With her, and my other lesbian online friends, we are able to share similar problems. Especially regarding members of the SAME sex. I no longer worry if I am going to offend her or not, because she has the same problem. It has been a little over a month, and my temper still boils at the thought of my ex-best friend. A lot of things are beginning to surface, and sadly, I am remembering the negative more than the positive. Sometimes what you want and what you really need are two different things. And there are times you have to just walk away. I regret none of it, and have been less snippy and short-tempered since I left her.

Recently states like Florida are just now allowing a gay couple to adopt children and raise them as their own.

This year, 2002, Rosie O' Donnel came out of the closet as being gay. I can say it has been the best news of the whole year. Because of her, and the fact she has a lot of money, and her own TV show, the gay/lesbian community are getting their voices heard; something that has been a long time coming. We as a group have been fighting for equality since the Stonewall incident of 1969.

This year was my first year at a gay counter-protest. At one of the neighboring high schools, a play was being re-inacted about the incident in Laramie, Wyoming; the killing of a gay young man. I believed the incident should be re-enacted since it is apart of history, however try telling that to the "anti-gay" side. I drove a friend and myself to the protest, and the officers explained to stay behind the yellow tape, just as the other side had to. My friend had brought two gigantic rainbow flags that I helped to hold up through some of the duration of the protest. I couldnt believe some of the signs the anti-gays were displaying. "Thank God for SEPT 11", "Matt is in Hell", "AIDS kills FAGS", and the high school logo with the word "FAGS" under it.

I noticed that that majority of the anti-gay side consisted of older adults that would never change their ways, and the pro-gay side had the support of teenagers, young adults, and some teachers, parents, and college students. I also noticed that these young gay high schoolers were most likely "out" in their school. If they were, then we have already made a lot of progress since I graduated in 1999, since there wasnt but maybe 2 lone souls that were "out".

Because of this protest, I was inspired to write a poem, on behalf of all gays/les/bi/transgendered people.

Like I have said before, you never know what is in store for you. I have a new group of friends, and even better, they are gay.

I have decided to put on here a paper I had done for a class. The teacher gave me an A+ on it. I am not trying to stroke my own ego, but he stated he wished others could write one just as well. I am not putting this on here for students to copy, and use for their papers that they should be writing themselves; this is for information only.

Nature vs. Nurture:

The Question of Origin

Human Development

Homosexuality is the tendency to be sexually and/or romantically attracted to members of ones own sex (Homosexuality, 1997). People tend to view heterosexuality and homosexuality as an all-or-none distinction (Weiten, 1998). However, Alfred Kinsey and his colleagues discovered that many people who define themselves as heterosexuals have had homosexual experiences-and visa versa (Weiten, 1998). Sexual orientation should be thought of as a continuum ranging from exclusive homosexuality to exclusive heterosexuality, with all gradations in between (Homosexuality, 1997). Kinsey devised a seven- point scale that can be used to characterize individuals' sexual orientation. Homosexuality can vary widely from 4%-17% (Weiten, 1998).

In fact, homosexuality is documented as far back as ancient Greece. The men were not homosexual, at least, not in the modern meaning of that term. The Greeks had no such word or concept. It is perhaps more correct to say that the Greeks practiced a sort of "bisexuality" in that, for men at least, sexual activity with partners of both sexes was accepted (Mondimore, 1996). The ancient attitudes of the ancient Greeks toward female homosexuality simply cannot be discussed with any certainty. At least one review of the life and works of Sappho insists, however, that like their male counterparts, the women of ancient Greece, at least on Lesbos in the sixth century B.C., could express heterosexual or homosexual eroticism freely and without societal condemnation and without any need for a label (Mondimore, 1996).

Homosexuality has been present since ancient civilization and can be found throughout the world. There are many theories that question whether homosexuality is biological, environmental, or both. Freud and Fenichel proposed the earliest theory stating male homosexuality to be a developmental abnormality stemming from pre-Oedipal and Oedipal conflicts (Vreeland et al, 1995). Specifically, the mother-son relationship has been identified as close-binding and the father-son relationship as inconsequential (Vreeland et al, 1995). The hypothetical result is the identification with the mother which includes her choice of love objects - men. Another environmental theory has been linked to the quality of the parents marriage. Of 106 investigated groups of exclusively homosexual males and heterosexual males, the parents of the homosexuals were especially prone to have less than desirable marriages (Vreeland et al, 1995). Other environmental theories of homosexuality include parents who encourage their sons to cross dress, parents who wanted a daughter instead of a son, and maternal pampering associated with the first-born child (Vreeland et al, 1995). Another theory suggests that homosexuality results when a boy is seduced by an older man (Vreeland et al, 1995). Four biological theories include, genetic inheritance, structural differences in the hypothalamus, prenatal hormone development, and brain organization.

In a study, a questionnaire was sent to 2,000 individuals, all of which were mental health professionals. A random sample of the members of The American Psychiatric Association revealed a support for a biological perspective on the originality of homosexuality. This study was an analysis of the 508 questionnaires returned by the psychiatrists.

The top four theories rated were all biogenic, followed by the environmental theories that assumed positions 5-12. As one progresses down the list to the less supported theories, there seems to be a correlation to lacking studies and/or information. The lowest-ranked theories included parents wish for opposite-sex child, parents marriage, the only-child theory, and birth order.

Of all the theories, the one that seems to have received the most attention was the study conducted by Simon LeVay, which was published in August 1991. LeVays is the second report of a difference between the brains of homosexuals and heterosexuals (the first was published in 1990 in Brain Research) - though it is the first to find such a difference in the hypothalamus, which is known to be a source of sexual urges (Bender and Leone, 1993). That connection raises the possibility that this difference may not only correlate with homosexuality but also play a role in causing it (Bender and Leone, 1993). LeVay hypothesized that two small groups of neurons (INAH 2 and 3) found in the hypothalamus is large in individuals sexually-oriented towards women (lesbians and heterosexual men), and small in individuals sexually-oriented towards men (gays and heterosexual women). The hypothalamus is a structure found near the base of the forebrain involved in the regulation of biological needs (Weiten, 1998). In addition, it also serves as a vital link between the brain and the endocrine system (Weiten, 1998). Simon LeVay, a neuroscientist at the Salk Institute in San Diego, has found that, in the anterior hypothalamus - a brain region that governs sexual behavior - has the anatomical form usually found in women rather than the form typical of heterosexual men (Bender and Leone, 1993). However because tissue samples from homosexual women could not be obtained, only that part of the hypothesis could not be tested. LeVay compared the autopsied brains of 19 homosexual and 16 heterosexual men and found that the targeted structure tended to be about half as large in the gay men (Weiten, 1998). Other investigators found evidence in another area in the hypothalamus (the suprachiasmatic nucleus) is larger and more elongated in gay men than straight men (Weiten, 1998). Interestingly, the elongated shape found in gay males is normally characteristic of females (Weiten, 1998). However, because the gay subjects had died of AIDS, some believed that the virus could have damaged the results. Despite the fact LeVay deemed it highly unlikely, he later examined the brain of an HIV-negative gay man who had died of lung cancer. That brain, too, fell into the gay-typical range (Nimmons, 1994).

Even LeVay has suspected that homosexuality runs in families and has an inherited component (Nimmons, 1994). Of all the theories, genetic inheritance received the most support in the ordered ranks based on psychiatrists beliefs about theories of male homosexuality. An early study (Kallman, 1954) of monozygotic and dizygotic twins found a 100% concordance rate in all 37 pairs of monozygotic twins for exclusive homosexuality (Vreeland et al, 1995). Rosenthal (1970) was unable to replicate Kallmans findings.

LeVay, being gay himself, states that genetics accounts for a substantial fraction of the total causation (Nimmons, 1994). For evidence, as one of the five siblings in his family, LeVay states that 2 ½ of them are gay; one brother being bisexual (Nimmons, 1994).

Another recent study conducted by Hamer, Hu, Magnuson, Hu, and Pattatucci identified a link between some cases of male homosexuality and a small segment of DNA on the X chromosome (Besner and Spungin, 1995). First they identified 76 homosexual men and investigated how many of their family members were homosexual (Besner and Spungin, 1995). They found 13.5% of the brothers were homosexual, significantly higher than the 2% found in the general population (Besner and Spungin, 1995). In examining the family history, they found there were more gay relatives on the maternal side than the paternal side; they found homosexuality occurred more among maternal uncles of gay men and cousins who were sons of maternal aunts than in the general population (Besner and Spungin, 1995). This led them to suspect that the trait for male homosexuality is passed through the female (Besner and Spungin, 1995). In addition, if there is one gay member in the family, then there is a likelihood of there being another gay member (Besner and Spungin, 1995). Hamer et al. research confirmed the results of a sibling study by Pillard and Weinrich (1986), who found that brothers of gay men have a 14% likelihood of being gay compared with 2% for men without gay brothers (Besner and Spungin, 1995).

Bailey and Pillard (1991) studied 161 homosexual males and their twin or adoptive brothers and found that 52% of their subjects identical twin brothers, 22% of the fraternal twin brothers, and 11% of the adoptive brothers were homosexual (Besner and Spungin, 1995). This supports a biological link theory. A study of lesbian twin sisters revealed that identical twins of lesbians were three times more likely than fraternal twins to be lesbians or bisexuals (Besner and Spungin, 1995). As a second phase of their research, Hamer et al. recruited 40 pairs of homosexual brothers and analyzed their DNA with genetic linkage analysis using gene markers (Besner and Spungin, 1995). Of the 40 pairs of brothers, 33 pairs shared a set of five markers located near the end of the long arm of the X chromosome in a region designated Xq28 (Besner and Spungin, 1995). Statistical analysis revealed a 99.5% level of certainty that there is genetic material on the X chromosome that predisposes a male to become homosexual (Besner and Spungin, 1995).

Homosexuality at first sight does not seem to favor reproduction, so why does it persist? If its true, the implications are amazing, says Dennis Landis, a neurologist who studies brain structure at Case Western Reserve University. It would begin to suggest why male homosexuality is present in most human populations, despite cultural constraints. It suggests its a biological phenomenon.

Some new evidence (May 2000) about the biological cause of homosexuality has been found right in the palm of a hand. A new study has found the lengths of the index and ring fingers on gay men and lesbians differ from those generally found on heterosexuals (Pointing, 2000). The study of 720 adults rallied from San Francisco street fairs showed lesbians tend to have shorter index fingers than ring fingers, whereas in heterosexual women the two fingers are about the same length (Pointing 2000). Gay men tend to have index fingers that are even shorter relative to their ring fingers than heterosexual men. The researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, believe that in both genders increased exposure to male hormones in the womb accounts for the difference (Pointing, 2000).

In clinical case studies, Isay (1985, 1986, 1987) found that adult gay men reported a lack of close bonds with their fathers in childhood (Besner & Spungin, 1995). He believed that cross-gender behavioral characteristics in these boys were manifested in order to acquire and maintain the attraction and attention of their fathers (Besner & Spungin, 1995).

Some people still believe that young males are seduced to homosexuality by older males. What seems to be important is not the sexual act itself, but the feelings associated with the experience, despite that many males have early homosexual activities (Besner & Spungin). This probably determines why heterosexual men may have homosexual experiences but are not homosexual. In a 25-year analysis of longitudinal data from the Fels Institute, Kagan and Moss (1962) found a strong relationship between boys' childhoods and adult gender role behaviors and interests (Besner & Spungin, 1995).

Of the 12 theories evaluated, mental health professionals rated prenatal hormone development levels second after genetic inheritance. Several lines of research suggest hormonal secretions during critical periods of prenatal development may shape sexual development, organize the brain in a lasting manner, and influence subsequent sexual orientation (Weiten, 1998). Researchers have also found elevated rates of homosexuality among women exposed prenatally to a synthetic hormone (DES) formerly used to reduce the risk of miscarriage (by their mothers) and among women who have an adrenal disorder that results in abnormally high androgen levels during prenatal development (Weiten, 1998). Another study found androgen deficiency during a critical period of sex-specific hypothalamic differentiation results in a predominantly female brain organization (Vreeland et al, 1995). In one study of responses to the drug Premarin (a potent form of the female hormone, estrogen), homosexual men processed estrogen differently from the way heterosexual men did (Vreeland et al, 1995). Neuroendocrinology research indicates that the difference in sexes hormonal cycles can be attributed to sexual dimorphism of the brain. Operating under such an assumption, Dorner, Rhode, Stahl, Krell, and Masius (1975) conducted an experiment to test the endocrine systems of male homosexuals for positive estrogen feedback. (Brookey, 2001). Positive estrogen feedback is a hormonal response that occurs in the menstrual cycle. When women are at a certain point in their cycle, an exposure to estrogen stimulates the release of a pituitary hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH). Dorner et al. tested 21 homosexual and 20 heterosexual, and 5 bisexual men for positive estrogen feedback. The mean score of the homosexual subjects indicated a surge in LH after an estrogen treatment (20mg of Presomen), while the mean score for the heterosexual and bisexual subjects did not (Brookey, 2001). Dorner et al. concluded the positive estrogen feedback response in homosexual subjects may indicate the homosexuals have a feminized brain. In other words, they suggest male homosexuals may be neurologically feminine, and this biological effeminacy is contrasted to normal heterosexual male neurology.

However, if homosexual orientation is imagined to be an active desire for a member of the same sex, then the studys conclusions are problematic (Brookey, 2001). This does not take into account the bisexual men that actively sought out homosexual encounters. The bisexual men did not experience the LH surge indicating a female differentiated brain.

From an environmental point of view, the writer took it upon herself to do an investigation of some close subjects (friends). Although this small experiment does not have the significant amount of numbers that the registered psychologists did, she will be able to tell you the family background, and, based on that, whether environment seems to play a role in the sexual orientation. She will not disclose her friends identities, and so all were given a fake name. After reading all of the subjects family backgrounds, try to determine which of those are lesbians, bisexuals, or heterosexuals. Based on a study recently stated, the parents of homosexuals were especially prone to have less than desirable marriages (Vreeland, 1995). The subjects will be listed, in no particular order, and only the family background will be provided. All the subjects are females aged 15-39. I can also assure a random sample because one subject is from Illinois, another from Florida, and two are from completely different countries. The remainders are from Kansas, and among the subjects is a set of twins (monozygotic). She knows only 12 subjects and their backgrounds well enough to compare them fairly.

She told me her mother was not really there for her as a child, and, even now, Alexandra wants nothing to do with her, but feels obligated to visit every now and then. Her parents had divorced when she was sixteen-years-old. Her father is supportive, loving, giving, and is constantly making jokes. After meeting her mother once, I observed her to be critical, short-tempered, and unloving. I learned later her mother had taken (stolen) money from Alexandras bank account to sustain her own living needs.

She told me her father has a bi-polar disorder for which he refuses to seek treatment for. She explains that her mother was a drug-user, and stole money from her to buy heavy drugs. Elizabeth grew up, from what she told me, in a very unhappy childhood saying, Things got worse after I was 4-years-old. I was not sure how much one could remember prior to 4 years of age, although this age seemed to stand out in her mind. She recalls the times her father would yell and go off on her for no reason. She says she hates her parents and distrusts them significantly. She is glad she does not live with them anymore and supports herself completely.

She first told me of her emotionally absent and ustable mother. Jessica stated, "I have a really good relationship with my father; my mom is okay. It was kinda rough growing up though (my mom is manic depressive). She described to me how she would have to walk into the house, and if her mother was home, feel out the room to determine whether her mom was in a good mood or not. Often her mom would yell and become angry for no reason, and, other times, she would laugh and be happy. Along with the instability came the verbal abuse that was often directed at Jessica. When she told me of her father, she smiled and said she loves him. He seemed the only good influence and role model in her life at that time.

When I had first met Hailey and Nicole, they were living with their step-mother and father. I later learned their mother was not able to care for them due to drug use. However, over the course of a few years, and being really close to Nicole and Hailey, I came to discover a covered-up life at home. Upon meeting their parents, I had a good impression of them. They seemed nice, like normal parents. However, Nicole would tell me that her father would often explode at Hailey, resulting in verbal abuse, and twice, physical abuse and violence. She also told me about how her step-mother and father would fight, resulting in the polices involvement. There was a time Nicole had called me over after her parents had been taken away because of an attempted attack on the both of them. Her father seemed of the controlling nature, and the step-mother would often pull Nicole out of school to help with remodeling the home. Soon both of them had gotten a job that would consume most of the afternoon, just so We can get out of the house and not deal with them. However, after turning eighteen, one twin moved to live with her mother in another state. Her mother had ceased her drug abuse, and it was not long after that the other twin moved there, as well. I noted that, at one point, Nicole had trusted her father, and did not want to live with her mother, however, the tables had turned, and now she did not trust her father after the repeated violence. The step-mother was not trusted by either of the girls.

Lucy told me herself what happened with her and her parents. I was abused (by being beaten, not sexually) when I was a small child, so I fear violence and hitting. As for being beaten often, it was by my mother. My father and I had a great relationship. Actually, all the men figures were wonderful in my life. My mom and I are very close now. I forgave her and have moved on. However, I could never lay a hand on anyone.

I had asked Mandy what her home life had been like growing up. She told me that her father really was not there; he was not abusive, just absent. She loves her mother, and gets along with her the best. When her father was not there, she would take charge. She still likes to hang out with her mother, and talks with her often. I have not heard her speak of her father at all.

Growing up, Britney had attended an all-girls school. She said she had stayed with the same group of girls up until she moved. Britney loves her parents. However, she tells me her father will explode at times, and she does not want to be around when it happens. Her mother takes control of things and seems to be in charge. Britneys parents are important to her, and she values her family over friends. However, recently, her parents moved out of the house and to another city for employment and are rarely home. They know she is old enough to take care of herself however, she is left to care for her younger siblings. I personally thought she was placed in a difficult position. Her parents are one of the few I know of, who are not divorced.

Kim grew up with a negative mother. She would tell me that, no matter what she did, she could never satisfy her mother. Her father was there when he could be. Since his job required frequent moving, Kim was never able to really settle herself in one place. Her father was strict, and she likes to add, He was a chauvinistic pig! Her mother seemed to believe whatever she was doing was correct, and anybody elses way was not. I notice her mother places much emphasis on material possessions, and that is what is valued most. Kims mother also lies constantly and consistently about everything to cover up what she does not want people to know. Her mother and father ultimately divorced later in her life.

Being over at Mollys house at times, I would notice the perfectionisn of her father. He was always concerned about her grades and how she was doing. Of course every father should feel proud if his daughter was in an Honors class however, if she were to receive a B, it would not be good enough for him. He would tell her to study or "get that grade up". I noticed he had a definite routine, and he stuck to it. Her mother always seemed to be concerned she was not doing enough for the family. It would not take much for her temper to flair and yell at Molly and her siblings. Mollys mother was the chauffer in the family, and always seemed to be complaining about it. Nothing was done right, or good enough unless she did it herself. A lot of compliments had to be given to keep her mother happy, but I noticed Molly did not seem to care. Although Molly would often state to me she never wanted to be like her mother, I have witnessed several accounts of her sounding exactly like her. Her parents later divorced when Molly was twenty.

Cassie told me that she had a great mother, but when she turned eighteen, her biggest concern was leaving. She explained that she wanted to live in the city and not out on the farm where her mother lived. She mentioned her parents had gotten a divorce; I do not know when, however, after they did she said things got a lot better. She loves her father, and from what he has done to help her, like getting her a new used car, I can say he has probably been there for her despite the divorce.

Beth stated, " I can like my father sometimes; it depends. Sometimes I can really just hate him because of his personality, and because I'm like him (personality wise and it annoys me that I'm like him sometimes). I can't hate my father. I love my mother. I'm a mommy's girl!" Her parents are still together.

There you have it. If given only the backgrounds, would one be able to determine, without a doubt, the sexuality of each individual? Based only on the environmental background of which these subjects grew up in, would it be sufficient evidence in order to determine their sexuality? One argument is environmental factors surrounding the parent-child relationship, does not affect homosexuality. The study brought up is the research done by Bell, Weinberg, and Hammersmith. They had questioned 979 homosexuals and 477 heterosexuals who made up a matched sample of the total population. Their study took ten years to complete-three years in which to collect the data, five years to analyze it, and another two years to check it (Bender and Leone, 1993). They found that family backgrounds had little or no effect on a persons eventual sexual orientation.

The subjects from my small investigation were placed on the Alfred Kinsey scale, 0 representing exclusive heterosexual relations, 2-4, representing bisexuality, and 6 representing exclusive homosexual relations.

Subject 2: Elizabeth - 5 - Almost exclusively homosexual. (Had one heterosexual experience.) - Age 19 - Kansas

Subject 3: Jessica - 4 - Bisexual. However prefers women more to men. - Age 21 - Kansas

Subject 4: Hailey - 3 - Bisexual. Loves men and women. - Age 19 - Kansas & Nicole - 1 - Almost exclusively heterosexual. However has had one experience with a female that I am aware of. - Age 19 - Kansas

Subject 11: Beth - 4 - Confused Bisexual. Has stronger feelings towards women than men. - Age 15 - Scotland

Bender, David and Bruno Leone. (1993). Homosexuality: Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, Inc.

Besner, H.F. & Spungin, C. (1995). Gay and Lesbian Students: Understanding Their Needs. Fort Lauderdale, FL: Taylor & Francis.

Brookey, Robert Allen. (2001, Spring). Biorhetoric, Background Beliefs and the Biology of Homosexuality. Argumentation and Advocacy. Expanded Academic ASAP. Gale Group. http://web1.infotrac.galegroup.com.

Feldman, Robert S. (2000). Development Across the Lifespan. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Gorman, Christine. (1991, September 9). Are gay men born that way? Time. Expanded Academic ASAP. Gale Group. http://web1.infotrac.galegroup.com.

LeVay, Simon. (1991, August 30). A difference in hypothalamic structure between heterosexual and homosexual men. Science. Expanded Academic ASAP. Gale Group. http://web1.infotrac.galegroup.com.

Mandimore, Francis Mark.(1996) A Natural History of Homosexuality. Baltimore and London: The Johns Hopkins University Press.

Vreeland, C.N., et al. (1995). The beliefs of members of the American Psychiatric Association on the etiology of male homosexuality: a national survey: The Journal of Psychology, 507. Expanded Academic ASAP. Gale Group. http://web1.infotrac.galegroup.com.

Weiten, Wayne. (1998). Psychology: Themes and Variation. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole Publishing Company. Pgs 94, 397-400, 467, 479, 560.