Intro
In this episode of Radiolab titled “Born This Way?”, the belief that sexual orientation is innate and unchangeable is explored. The podcast examines the challenges to this idea from both the right and the left, and delves into the scientific research and cultural implications surrounding the concept of being “born this way”.
Main Takeaways
The “Born This Way” Idea and its Challenges
- The “born this way” idea is the belief that sexual orientation is innate and unchangeable.
- This idea has been challenged in recent years by both the right and the left.
- On the right, there are bills like the one in Florida that aim to prohibit classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity, based on the belief that exposure to these topics will change a child’s identity.
- On the left, there are theories that suggest social norms, cultural values, and politics are the most important factors in shaping one’s sense of self and sexual preferences.
- Despite challenges to the idea, a Gallup poll from 2018 shows that 50% of Americans still believe in the “born this way” idea.
Dean Hamer and the Origins of the “Born This Way” Idea
- Dean Hamer is considered the “linchpin” of the idea that people are born with their sexual orientation.
- Hamer’s research on the origins of homosexuality in 1993 is often cited as the birth of the “born this way” idea.
- Dean Hamer’s early memories suggest a precursor to the “born this way” idea, as he fantasized about male friendships from a young age.
- Dean Hamer watched a TV program about homosexuality and realized that he was gay, but felt he had to keep it a secret.
- Dean encountered the gay liberation movement in Boston, which was about being out and proud.
- He fell in love with a man and found it amazing.
- Dean pursued genetics research for many years, but wanted to do something more important.
- The human genome project began and Dean saw an opportunity to explore the genetics of sexuality.
Genetic Research and the “Born This Way” Narrative
- Studying the minor version of a trait is the most powerful way to study it.
- Dean started with gay men to understand the genetics of sexuality more broadly.
- To show a genetic link, families with gay members were needed for the study.
- Dean Hamer conducted sex interviews and blood tests to study the genetic link to homosexuality.
- Hamer noticed that gay men in families were mostly on the mother’s side, indicating a possible link to the X chromosome.
- Hamer found a small genetic region on the X chromosome that may be linked to male homosexuality.
- The discovery of a possible genetic link to homosexuality became a powerful weapon in the cultural and human rights debate surrounding LGBTQ+ issues.
The Influence of Science and Media on LGBTQ+ Rights
- The true origins of “born this way” go back to the 1950s, when gay rights organizations were founded amidst fear and paranoia of homosexuality being a mental illness.
- These organizations turned to science to fight off the argument that homosexuality was a mental illness in the minds of the public.
- Over the next 20 years, psychiatry and psychology underwent a big shift, leading to the American Psychiatric Association dropping the definition of homosexuality as a mental illness in 1973.
- Gay rights litigators brought scientific experts into court as expert witnesses throughout the 70s to make bigger changes.
- The media was interested in the study’s implications for gay rights, which was a political and social question, not a scientific one.
- The born gay narrative impacted public opinion and became a powerful way to change the biology of sexual orientation in activism.
- Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” song was a catalyst for LGBTQ+ rights movements, including the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and the legalization of same-sex marriage.
Summary
The “Born This Way” Idea and Genetic Research
The “born this way” idea, which posits that sexual orientation is innate and unchangeable, has faced challenges from both the right and the left. Despite these challenges, a significant portion of Americans still believe in this concept. Dean Hamer’s research on the genetic origins of homosexuality played a crucial role in popularizing the “born this way” idea. By studying the minor version of the trait, Hamer found a possible genetic link to male homosexuality on the X chromosome. This discovery became a powerful tool in the cultural and human rights debate surrounding LGBTQ+ issues.
The Influence of Science and Media on LGBTQ+ Rights
The “born this way” narrative has its roots in the efforts of gay rights organizations in the 1950s to counter the perception of homosexuality as a mental illness. Over the years, scientific research and expert testimonies played a significant role in changing public opinion and legal protections for the LGBTQ+ community. The media’s interest in genetic research and its implications for gay rights further amplified the “born this way” narrative. Lady Gaga’s song “Born This Way” became an anthem for LGBTQ+ rights movements and contributed to significant milestones such as the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and the legalization of same-sex marriage.
Conclusion
The “born this way” idea, while facing challenges, continues to shape public opinion and discussions surrounding sexual orientation. Genetic research has provided valuable insights into the potential biological underpinnings of sexual orientation, but it is important to recognize that it is not the sole determining factor. The complex interplay of genetics, environment, and culture influences sexual orientation, and our understanding of this topic is still evolving. The “born this way” narrative has played a crucial role in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, but it is essential to approach the topic with nuance and avoid oversimplification.
