Basic research has to start somewhere.

[vakkotaur]

[...]
Nevertheless, it raises an interesting question, one that seems very easy to answer. Is homosexuality learned? If it is, then a heterosexual may consciously become gay. However, try as I might, I've found no heterosexuals willing to take the leap and “become gay.” I certainly thought that, among the community of those insisting that homosexuality is learned, that a hearty few may have tried for the sake of science. Imagine my surprise to find no studies or experimentation (at least, no recorded nor admitted experimentation) from these august fellows. Certainly they wouldn't make these broad generalizations, thought I, without some field research. Surely Pat Robertson tried to become gay to show that it was possible. But such was not the case.
[...]

Comments

[nefaria.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure it's as completely clear-cut as that. I know of some folks, such as k.d. lang and a few members of the furry community, who apparently "chose" to become homosexual after having repeated bad experiences in heterosexual relationships. Maybe they were gay/lesbians the whole time and just in denial, maybe they were at the midpoint between straight-gay and got a little push to one side, or maybe it's more complicated than that. Sexuality is a complex continuum, I don't think of it as a straight-gay light switch.

Anyway, have you seen Brokeback Mountain? I'm curious about it since the "Lonesome Dove" author wrote it, but I don't have a movie theater nearby. I'm wondering whether it's a traditional gay romance story or whether it breaks a lot of new ground.

[jcw-da-dmg.livejournal.com]

I am ashamed to admit that, on one occasion, I made a similar attempt to "just have faith". Couldn't do it. Wasn't in me.

[vakkotaur.livejournal.com]

I rather doubt it's as simple as that, which this piece sort of helps point out. I have not seen Brokeback Mountain nor do I really intend to. It simply doesn't interest me, and wouldn't no matter the gender mix involved. Very few movies really interest me, so I don't go to the movie theater all that often.

[kelloggs2066.livejournal.com]

And that's the Straight Dope...?

[jcw-da-dmg.livejournal.com]

McMurtry may have written the screenplay, but the original story was by Annie Proulx, who also wrote The Shipping News.