Gay brains structured like those of the opposite sex - Empty Closets - A safe online community for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered people coming out

n1ck · 16th Jun 2008, 10:38 AM

This just published by the New Scientist.

Thought it may be of interest to fellow EC'ers.

Quote:

Brain scans have provided the most compelling evidence yet that being gay or straight is a biologically fixed trait.

The scans reveal that in gay people, key structures of the brain governing emotion, mood, anxiety and aggressiveness resemble those in straight people of the opposite sex.

The differences are likely to have been forged in the womb or in early infancy, says Ivanka Savic, who conducted the study at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.

...

http://www.newscientist.com/channel/...osite-sex.html

Steve · 16th Jun 2008, 10:40 AM

what?!?!?!?!? ... that means my brain is a girls brain .nooooooooooooooo

Hoppip · 16th Jun 2008, 10:50 AM

actually

They got it all wrong,

because,

it turns out,

straight women just have

gay guy brains.

Pssh.

ccdd · 16th Jun 2008, 11:16 AM

That's really interesting, if true. Although whether it's a cause or a consequence isn't known. I haven't read the original article, but I'm slightly wary on what the one below says about how they're going to look at babies' brains and then see how their sexuality develops. For reasons of education and demonstrating that it's not a choice I suppose this is good, but then what purpose other than that does it serve? To bring about a cure and/or early ostracisation? To demonstrate that we have abnormal brains? (Although I do think they're probably researching in good faith).

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/20...nce.psychology

n1ck · 16th Jun 2008, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ccdd

That's really interesting, if true. Although whether it's a cause or a consequence isn't known. I haven't read the original article, but I'm slightly wary on what the one below says about how they're going to look at babies' brains and then see how their sexuality develops. For reasons of education and demonstrating that it's not a choice I suppose this is good, but then what purpose other than that does it serve? To bring about a cure and/or early ostracisation? To demonstrate that we have abnormal brains? (Although I do think they're probably researching in good faith).

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/20...nce.psychology

Interestingly, this has also been touched on by...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/20...edicalresearch

For me it's acertaining the truth, no matter how painful it ultimately might be, that is important.

Alexander · 16th Jun 2008, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seanathon

actually

They got it all wrong,

because,

it turns out,

straight women just have

gay guy brains.

Pssh.

somebody got it right!

sexyalex · 16th Jun 2008, 12:20 PM

O.o

but i'm the only gay in my family

jazzrawr · 16th Jun 2008, 12:40 PM

...

i don't WANT a guy's brain!!
eeeew! straight guy germs!!!! XD
i most definately do NOT think like a straight guy.
mostly.
maybe i have half and half? XD

Steve · 16th Jun 2008, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzrawr

...

i don't WANT a guy's brain!!
eeeew! straight guy germs!!!! XD
i most definately do NOT think like a straight guy.
mostly.
maybe i have half and half? XD

so smart .. yet so smart

Fiorino · 16th Jun 2008, 01:07 PM

Honestly, this is worrying to me. Next thing you know people will be able to
know if their fœtus is gay or not, and then next thing you know they will
just abort all the gay fœtuses. This is the kind of "curiosity" that killed the
cat. It's a bad idea, and it also suggests that gay people are "anormal"
and who knows what it could lead to in the future-a "gay genocide"?
I know that's an extreme example, but I think it's important that people
know that gay people are no different that anyone else except that they
are attracted to the same sex. So? It's just a part of who we are, but it
doesn't have to define us. Hopefully one day (soon) gay people will be
equal and gay rights will be settled and a non-issue. Of course, the question
whether being gay is genetic or not is a two-way street. If being gay is a
choice (which we know it isn't), then it's easier to hate against gays. But if
being gay is genetic, then it's easier to "detect and exterminate". Personally,
being gay seems to be a combination of genetics and surroundings that trigger
them.

Anyway-so what are bi people's brain's like? I'd guess it's a mixtures of the two?
(And yes-I'm definetely bi, so no "well, you're just in denial")

A final note: Sexuality is fluid, so how can you define someone as "gay" or
"straight"? 90% of people are somewhat bi. The most dissapointing thing about
these findings is that they only help to reinforce gay stereotypes (notably that gay people are effiminate "they even have a girl's brain afterall"). There are all types of
gay people as there are all types of straight people, so until you find all the "gay"
people in the world and scan their brains, what does this study prove (with a couple of hundred selected people I assume)? Maybe only Swedish gay people have girl's brains(j/k)?

InaRut · 16th Jun 2008, 01:20 PM

Yea that's what I'm thinking too. Isn't this just a way for research to develop a cure for homosexuality. I mean in men I can most certainly see why some of us might have a women's brain. We all thought Chris Crocker was a girl at first hahahaha.

It's kind of a mixed blessing. Depending on what happens with this study...Wonder what the WBC is gonna say aboot it.

n1ck · 16th Jun 2008, 05:19 PM

Now on the BBC...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7456588.stm

Notably from that article, the report has elicited...

Quote:

Dr Qazi Rahman, a lecturer in cognitive biology at Queen Mary, University of London, said that he believed that these brain differences were laid down early in foetal development.

"As far as I'm concerned there is no argument any more - if you are gay, you are born gay," he said.

MeskElil · 16th Jun 2008, 06:18 PM

This is kind of cool...
I mean, it shows people that NO, this isn't a choice!

Personally, I don't care about having a straight-guy's brain. I think like one, so why not? And plus ALL my friends are guys, and they're awesome, so I say yay!

But I'm afraid this will get in with genetic engineering...*shiver*

zumbo · 16th Jun 2008, 06:22 PM

If the onset of homosexuality really happens during the fetal development period, then defending ourselves against people telling us to change may be easier.

Beebo · 16th Jun 2008, 07:59 PM

Oh geez. What a relief... if there is actual scientific proof, I will finally have a real defence against my pastors blind argument... although he will probably just shut me down somehow.

Mirko · 17th Jun 2008, 01:45 PM

Just came across this story on BBC News. Found it interesting and thought I'll post the link:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7456588.stm

Most memorable line: "As far as I'm concerned there is no argument any more - if you are gay, you are born gay." (Dr Qazi Rahman, Lecturer, Queens Mary, University of London).

17th Jun 2008, 02:11 PM

Very Interesting Stuff.

pirateninja · 17th Jun 2008, 02:20 PM

My only worry is, that if you can tell if a baby's going to be gay before they're born, some parents might abort their kids if they have a "gay brain".

As much as it can say "We are born gay", people may use the information unscrupulously.

Blaz · 17th Jun 2008, 03:10 PM

Huh, the right side of the brain is responsible for "creativity, innovation and art and music" and the left is responsible for "strategy, logic, and order" isn't it? This makes me wonder. . .

Andy21 · 17th Jun 2008, 03:19 PM

I have a woman's brain? If I'd known this before I'd have got off my lazy arse to cook for myself. Damn.

16th Jun 2008, 10:40 AM	#2
Steve EC's Soldier! Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Sargeant sexual Out Status: whoever asks Location: Born in australia, but now living some where else Age: 21 Posts: 2,273 Join Date: May 2008	Re: Gay brains structured like those of the opposite sex what?!?!?!?!? ... that means my brain is a girls brain .nooooooooooooooo __________________ Soldier " there is no room for that in my pocklet" commander " if there is room in your heart then there in your pocket" Soldier " i cant fit my gf in there" -r " have you tried ? until you try you dont know"

16th Jun 2008, 10:50 AM	#3
Hoppip look at the good i do Full Member Gender: Lv. 18 ♂ Orientation: Water / Dragon Out Status: Uncommon Location: Johto Posts: 1,562 Join Date: May 2008	Re: Gay brains structured like those of the opposite sex actually They got it all wrong, because, it turns out, straight women just have gay guy brains. Pssh. __________________ KUDOS ME. I made myshelf pregnant.

16th Jun 2008, 11:16 AM	#4
ccdd Procrastination Queen Full Member Gender: Female Orientation: Bisexual Out Status: 30(ish) friends, but mostly closeted. Out to mum Location: UK Posts: 1,009 Join Date: Nov 2007	Re: Gay brains structured like those of the opposite sex That's really interesting, if true. Although whether it's a cause or a consequence isn't known. I haven't read the original article, but I'm slightly wary on what the one below says about how they're going to look at babies' brains and then see how their sexuality develops. For reasons of education and demonstrating that it's not a choice I suppose this is good, but then what purpose other than that does it serve? To bring about a cure and/or early ostracisation? To demonstrate that we have abnormal brains? (Although I do think they're probably researching in good faith). http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/20...nce.psychology

16th Jun 2008, 12:20 PM	#7
sexyalex Fame Monster copy No.2 Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: attracted to anyone sexy Out Status: only my friends know. Location: Kingston Age: 20 Posts: 1,410 Join Date: Dec 2007	Re: Gay brains structured like those of the opposite sex O.o but i'm the only gay in my family __________________ I know that we are young and I know that you may love me, but I just can't be with you like this anymore. Alejandro.

16th Jun 2008, 12:40 PM	#8
jazzrawr Lover of Loony Lovegood Full Member Gender: Female Orientation: Lesimbean Out Status: I scream it from rooftops Location: Ontario, Canada. Age: 19 Posts: 3,391 Join Date: Feb 2008	Re: Gay brains structured like those of the opposite sex ... i don't WANT a guy's brain!! eeeew! straight guy germs!!!! XD i most definately do NOT think like a straight guy. mostly. maybe i have half and half? XD __________________ <3 You can love people so much... But you can never love someone as much as you can miss them. (...and the lesbians.)

16th Jun 2008, 01:07 PM	#10
Fiorino Fio Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Most people Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina Posts: 1,005 Join Date: Jan 2008	Re: Gay brains structured like those of the opposite sex Honestly, this is worrying to me. Next thing you know people will be able to know if their fœtus is gay or not, and then next thing you know they will just abort all the gay fœtuses. This is the kind of "curiosity" that killed the cat. It's a bad idea, and it also suggests that gay people are "anormal" and who knows what it could lead to in the future-a "gay genocide"? I know that's an extreme example, but I think it's important that people know that gay people are no different that anyone else except that they are attracted to the same sex. So? It's just a part of who we are, but it doesn't have to define us. Hopefully one day (soon) gay people will be equal and gay rights will be settled and a non-issue. Of course, the question whether being gay is genetic or not is a two-way street. If being gay is a choice (which we know it isn't), then it's easier to hate against gays. But if being gay is genetic, then it's easier to "detect and exterminate". Personally, being gay seems to be a combination of genetics and surroundings that trigger them. Anyway-so what are bi people's brain's like? I'd guess it's a mixtures of the two? (And yes-I'm definetely bi, so no "well, you're just in denial") A final note: Sexuality is fluid, so how can you define someone as "gay" or "straight"? 90% of people are somewhat bi. The most dissapointing thing about these findings is that they only help to reinforce gay stereotypes (notably that gay people are effiminate "they even have a girl's brain afterall"). There are all types of gay people as there are all types of straight people, so until you find all the "gay" people in the world and scan their brains, what does this study prove (with a couple of hundred selected people I assume)? Maybe only Swedish gay people have girl's brains(j/k)? __________________ Why is it that as a culture, we're more comfortable seeing two men holding guns than holding hands?

16th Jun 2008, 01:20 PM	#11
InaRut EC's Nu-Disco Walrus Full Member Gender: IRL Yaoi Character Orientation: (｡◕‿◕。) Out Status: ㅎ_ㅎ Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada Age: 22 Posts: 7,111 Join Date: Oct 2007	Re: Gay brains structured like those of the opposite sex Yea that's what I'm thinking too. Isn't this just a way for research to develop a cure for homosexuality. I mean in men I can most certainly see why some of us might have a women's brain. We all thought Chris Crocker was a girl at first hahahaha. It's kind of a mixed blessing. Depending on what happens with this study...Wonder what the WBC is gonna say aboot it. __________________ "The first duty of every Starfleet Officer is to the truth. Whether it's scientific truth, historical truth, or personal truth. It is the guiding principle to which Starfleet is based. If you can't find it within yourself, to tell the truth about what happened, then you don't deserve to where that uniform."

16th Jun 2008, 06:18 PM	#13
MeskElil ♥♥EC's Resident Hippie Child♥♥ Full Member Gender: Tomboy Orientation: Questioning...still... Out Status: 2 great guys who are helping me through everything Location: Southern California Age: 20 Posts: 1,038 Join Date: Apr 2008	Re: Gay brains structured like those of the opposite sex This is kind of cool... I mean, it shows people that NO, this isn't a choice! Personally, I don't care about having a straight-guy's brain. I think like one, so why not? And plus ALL my friends are guys, and they're awesome, so I say yay! But I'm afraid this will get in with genetic engineering...shiver __________________ Call me Mesk

16th Jun 2008, 06:22 PM	#14
zumbo Member Regular Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Age: 22 Posts: 64 Join Date: Aug 2007	Re: Gay brains structured like those of the opposite sex If the onset of homosexuality really happens during the fetal development period, then defending ourselves against people telling us to change may be easier.

16th Jun 2008, 07:59 PM	#15
Beebo the cat what has facial hair. Full Member Gender: MAN Orientation: Gay Out Status: Out to everyone Location: Toronto Age: 23 Posts: 893 Join Date: Feb 2008	Re: Gay brains structured like those of the opposite sex Oh geez. What a relief... if there is actual scientific proof, I will finally have a real defence against my pastors blind argument... although he will probably just shut me down somehow. __________________ New Song up. a rough version of "The Ghost of Adam".(I will be adding more.)

17th Jun 2008, 01:45 PM	#16
Mirko Molitva Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Out and about Location: British Columbia, Canada Age: 35 Posts: 10,052 Join Date: Apr 2008	Study on Brain differences Just came across this story on BBC News. Found it interesting and thought I'll post the link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7456588.stm Most memorable line: "As far as I'm concerned there is no argument any more - if you are gay, you are born gay." (Dr Qazi Rahman, Lecturer, Queens Mary, University of London). __________________ ~ Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are ~

17th Jun 2008, 02:11 PM	#17
Ty Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Study on Brain differences Very Interesting Stuff.

17th Jun 2008, 02:20 PM	#18
pirateninja EC's Sailor Uranus Full Member Gender: Biologically Female Orientation: Heterosexually Challenged Out Status: Most people Location: Bath, England Age: 21 Posts: 5,853 Join Date: Sep 2007	Re: Study on Brain differences My only worry is, that if you can tell if a baby's going to be gay before they're born, some parents might abort their kids if they have a "gay brain". As much as it can say "We are born gay", people may use the information unscrupulously. __________________ Holly the Pirateninja Ars Longa, Vita Brevis.

17th Jun 2008, 03:10 PM	#19
Blaz Banned Gender: Male Orientation: Gay but curious. Out Status: 1 person :) Location: California Posts: 474 Join Date: Jan 2008	Re: Gay brains structured like those of the opposite sex Huh, the right side of the brain is responsible for "creativity, innovation and art and music" and the left is responsible for "strategy, logic, and order" isn't it? This makes me wonder. . .

17th Jun 2008, 03:19 PM	#20
Andy21 Member Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: All but family Location: Cornwall, UK Age: 22 Posts: 57 Join Date: Jul 2007	Re: Gay brains structured like those of the opposite sex I have a woman's brain? If I'd known this before I'd have got off my lazy arse to cook for myself. Damn.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
If you were the opposite gender..	Phantasma	Fun and Games	86	Yesterday 02:32 PM
People will ask, have you got an opposite partner yet?	darkestknight	Chit Chat	32	21st Apr 2008 09:37 PM
sex with the opposite sex?	imad	Chit Chat	6	6th Nov 2006 06:13 PM