[Dave_the_quack]

Originally Posted by Cerek I tried to explain what I meant more clearly in my response to Dave. I was stating that our behavior is influenced/shaped/patterned by ALL of the things we encounter in our childhood. Scientists have even suggested we "learn" 90% of what we know by the age of 5. That doesn't mean the educational lessons learned in school, that means learning how to walk, talk, eat, and all other behaviour essential for survival and social adaptation. It sounded skewed to me at first as well, until I stopped to think just how much we have to "learn" from birth. I went on to explain that "learned" probably isn't the most appropriate term to use, but I can't think of a better term. Nowhere did I suggest we learn our behavior from watching TV or being exposed to it in the media (although those also are factors in what we learn). The example of the gay uncle is closer to what I was describing, but it goes deeper than that. HOW your family members feel about an issue WILL influence how you feel about it as well. And this influence begins at the infant stage. That is as clearly as I can state my viewpoint. If you disagree, that is your choice.

I understand what you're trying to say. I just wish we could further the conversation with examples of how my upbringing or environment is different to those of heterosexuals so we could prove/refute your viewpoint. Problem is, we really can't. If it is true, who knows what incident/s or environmental factors were the foundation for my physiological and psychological needs? Or yours? I can honestly say that I'm the first known homosexual in my immediate (and even extended) family so that isn't a cause. Regardless, it's hard for me to argue this point for or against because until there is substantial testing done on the area (and something I can apply to myself) there is no reason that I'm gay. I'm gay just coz.

BTW, Good to see you're still around.

Thanks I'm always around.. just usually lurking in the shadows.