It is fashionable for gay and trans folk to state that their sexuality and/or gender identity is not a choice, preference or lifestyle, but is determined in some way by genetics, by drugs used during pregnancy, or by some other vaguely defined neonatal hormone event. In other words, homosexuality and transsexuality are 'intersex' conditions, only less obviously so because the organ involved is the brain. The point being, of course, that what is not chosen cannot be said to be morally wrong. True, but that argument goes only so far.
That one has a certain sexual passion or desire has never been held in and of itself to justify acting to realize that desire. It may for example be true that most males are biologically inclined to impregnate as many young females as possible, and that most young females are receptive of this behavior, but such action is deemed neither morally nor socially acceptable. Systems of ethics and law exist in part to deter a large number of such normal human tendencies.
So saying that one's body inclines one to homosexual passion does not seem to be much of an argument for legitimizing such behavior. This is why certain groups place so much emphasis on trying to convince people that gays are just like straight people except for the M/F of their partner; they are simply trying to slightly enlarge the definition of 'straight' to include discreet same-sex monogamous relationships, tacitly adding themselves to the conservative right-wing who oppose BDSM, polyamory, casual sex, drag, and other kinky stuff.
Some trans folk follow this same path, stating that gender identity disorder is a medical problem that must be corrected so they can lead a straight (whether hetero or homo sexual) lifestyle, emphasizing that transsexuality has nothing to do with sexuality, per se. These people often style themselves as 'true transsexuals' to distance themselves not only from the above mentioned sexual libertines, but from drag queens and kings, impersonators, crossdressers, bi-genders, transgenders, and especially people who situate themselves between the purely male or female.
These are conservative, reactionary times, so this scramble to fit in and be absolved of choosing to be different is not surprising. Nor, given human nature, is the fact that people do so by recasting others in the mold of villain. But clearly this scramble to be accepted by the conservative right has little to do with biology and everything to do with one group seeking power and privilege at the expense of others. It's a dangerous tactic, though.
What happens if and when science does find something like a gay gene or a transsexual brain anomaly? Will the gay and trans conservatives support screening for this condition, make it illegal for carriers of the gene to have children, or push to develop the technology to fix this problem and so arrange their own extinction? (What if a person exhibits gay/trans behavior but fails the medical test? Does this prove their behavior is in fact a choice? What is to be done to such people?)
For all those people who "wouldn't have chosen to be gay or trans," would you choose to eliminate all such people through genetic engineering? That is the ultimate conclusion of the argument that such differences are a biological error; and the medical technology to do so may well exist by the end of this century. If human genetic engineering becomes a reality, 'normal' takes on a frighteningly solid aspect.
I suggest that all concerned pay attention to the intersex people who have been speaking up in great number to protest that any 'fixing' of their problems should wait until informed consent of the fixee is possible. Also note that most gay (which includes bisexual and lesbian) people are vehemently opposed to the so-called 'ex-gay' programs of the religious right. (With increasing trans visibility it shouldn't be long before we see 'ex-trans' programs, too.) And like it or not, there are many trans people content to be something other than male/masculine/man or female/feminine/woman. The assimilationists are actually a small minority; they simply have the power and privilege to make things happen on a political level.
With hope that not even the conservative right will set themselves up as Christ's Genetic Engineer, let's rewind a bit. Homosexuality and transsexuality are not biological problems, they are moral and social problems, not so much different than the problems presented by differences in ability, ethnicity, nationality and religion. Segregation, slavery, institutionalization or imprisonment, murder, war, genocide and even assimilation has not solve those problems in a morally palatable manner; neither will such tactics solve the problems of recognizing and welcoming human gender and sexual diversity into society.
Biological evolution (genetic variation and selection) has proven a powerful tool for understanding how and why our bodies are as they are. It appears now that similar processes affect our behaviors, beliefs, and ideas (memes). Important behaviors and ideas also evolve, though perhaps not with quite the conscious intent we have so egotistically assumed.
Genes control the construction of the bits and pieces of our bodies, including our brains, which though part of the body, does transcend the purely physical. How finely our behaviors are programmed by biology has long been a problem for ethics and free will. The physical aspect of our senses of taste and smell may predispose a person to certain likes and dislikes, but we can educate and develop these preferences. We can learn to jump out of airplanes, walk on hot coals, or enjoy disco music.
Sexuality and gender are extremely complex behaviors which may be at least in part genetically determined. But they also seem to be larger in scope than any individual. Heterosexuality certainly fits the description of a meme.
The idea of memes and memetic evolution is fascinating. I'll be writing a essay on that topic soon.
Sexual behavior and gender identity have large enough components of individual choice that one cannot hide behind the simplistic idea that "biology made me that way." One is not born a sexual being or a fully gendered being; one becomes sexual and gendered. So stop looking for a safe place to hide in the status quo and work on making the world a place that is safe for all the wonderful diversity of humanity!
That's what I think, here in East Lansing at Samhain, 2000 CE.