The starting point for this paper was the statement made about a homosexual orientation: “But it’s not natural!” This paper has sought to look at a spread of evidence to help determine what response is appropriate to that statement, or to the question “Is homosexuality natural?”

Evidence has been studied that is biological and sociological. No one piece of evidence leads us to a definitive answer. It seems likely that as with many things, sexual orientation, whether gay, straight or bisexual, or indeed a transgender identity, is a result of a complex interaction of multiple factors, some biological, some environmental, some cognitive, all working to shape an individual person from their conception through to adulthood.

A friend shared that the picture he kept in mind to help understand this was of an aircraft flight deck with myriad gauges, switches and buttons.[1] The range of different settings across the flight deck is almost limitless, but a particular combination of needle positions, dial settings, switch positions – representing genetic, hormonal, hypothalamic, and social conditions – determines how the plane flies, or, in the case of one’s sexuality, where on the scale of sexuality an individual may find themselves.

It seems clear that homosexuality cannot be simply termed a “life-style choice” made by gay, lesbian or bisexual individuals. There are many factors outwith an individual’s conscious control that appear to play a part in determining sexual orientation. This applies as much to heterosexual men and women as to gay, lesbian or bisexual individuals. 

Rev J Peter N Johnston
Minister, St Andrew’s Parish Church, Blantyre    

Thanks to the following for editorial input:
Rev Dr Linda Dunbar, Mrs Carolyn Johnston, Dr David Smith