Being gay is fine, says editor

By Catherine Zende
zendec@mytjnow.com

To say homosexuality has created controversy is a severe understatement. In fact, the issue of sexuality has been the cause of hate crimes, verbal altercations, and countless political rallies. Those on both sides of the argument offer emotionally charged rhetoric based off fear, passion, and belief. It is a sin. It is a right. It is a threat to society. It is personal freedom. The debate is endless and seemingly without resolution. But let’s take emotion out of it. Let’s not focus so much on whether it is “right” or “wrong.” Instead, let’s look at whether it is a threat to anyone.

Logically speaking, homosexuality is not a threat, least of all to heterosexuals who are often the main opponents of gay rights. After all, the primary reason for sex is to procreate. Evolutionary principles follow a simple logic: a vital part of human nature is to survive and reproduce, to pass genes onto future generations. 

This process, also known as mating, can be complicated—competition sure is fierce. Thus, we all compete with others of our sex for the attention of the opposite sex. But how does human homosexuality play into this dynamic? Simply, homosexuality means there is at least one less human to with whom to compete. 

Imagine this scenario: You are madly in love with someone and feel disheartened because you think you face competition from someone of your same sex (that sexy guy or super cute girl). But if you found out that your competition has no sexual interest in your crush, are you furious or relieved? Relief is expected because now you have one less person with whom to compete, and your chances of obtaining the partner of your dreams have just increased by at least one. Thus, homosexuality actually aids the heterosexual hunt for a mate. 

Some will argue, of course, that the growth of homosexuality also decreases the amount of potential mates. It may remind you of that saying, “All the good ones are gay or married.” True, you may be disappointed that your crush actually favors of his or her gender. Here again, I will argue that it is all biological. 

And here’s where the real debate begins: born this way or free choice? I am inclined to say it is biological, but really it does not matter. The human race has already reached the astonishing 7 billion mark, which is saying quite a lot. If homosexuality is biological, then homosexuals will not pass their genes onto further generations, and there will still be plenty of heterosexuals to reproduce. If homosexuality is a choice, then I suppose that homosexuals could choose to reproduce in the off chance we need to increase the world’s population. Regardless of moral dilemmas or concerns over population, it is pretty clear that there is nothing here to fear.