Are People Born Gay?

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When I speak around the country about homosexuality and the reality of change, I am often asked, “What if a gay gene were to be discovered? What if homosexuals are just born that way?” My answer is simple and to the point — even if homosexuality were determined to be genetic, this doesn’t force me to accept myself as gay nor would it stop me from pursuing the life I want.  

In the midst of the “gay gene” debate of the early 1990's, I decided that I had, had enough of gay life. I found it fun for a season, lonely for a lifetime and in conflict with my faith-based beliefs. I chose, based upon all the information available at the time, to pursue a life based upon biblical truth rather than sexual urges and emotion.  After nearly 18 years, I am living proof that life beyond homosexuality is a viable option.

Now don’t get me wrong, our genes and biology can have a powerful influence on us. The way we look, talk and even our basic personalities are on some fundamental level rooted in innate traits. It’s all part of the way we were created and it’s a beautiful thing to behold. But the fact remains that even if something is “genetic” or even biological that doesn’t mean that pursuing it is beneficial or even healthy.

A classic example of this is the much-publicized obesity epidemic. In recent years, researchers have attempted to explain the rise in obesity by looking for a genetic link. In 2007, researchers at Tulane University concluded that obesity may indeed stem from a biological and/or genetic cause. Likewise, studies arise every year suggesting that there are genetic causes for drug and alcohol abuse. Although the struggles and battles these individuals face are difficult and often heartbreaking, we see many overcoming their addictions every day with the help of professional counseling, loving friends and supportive religious commitment. To suggest they should embrace substance abuse because it’s genetic would be looked upon as not only unethical, but immoral.

While I’m not suggesting that dealing with same-sex attraction is directly analogous to dealing with obesity and substance abuse, I am simply saying that our genes are not the end-all, be-all of our existence. Rather, like others who overcome these situations, there are thousands of men and women who are making life choices to live the life they want for themselves, whether or not the causes are genetic. Biology is not destiny.

One popular criticism of the work of Exodus claims that attempting to change one’s sexuality is impossible and even dangerous.  However, new research helps to dispel this myth. In a 2007 study, researchers Stanton Jones and Mark A. Yarhouse found that sexual orientation change is possible and that have many have experienced it with the help of religiously mediated support groups and counseling. The researchers also concluded that most of the people in these programs do not experience negative psychological effects.

So while I can understand the skepticism and even hostility of the critics, I know that thousands of men and women defy – and continue to defy – any possible genetic or biological links to homosexuality and changed their sexual orientation through the help of caring individuals, counseling and faith-based support groups. From my own personal experience and the experiences of many people that I know well — genes simply don’t dictate who we are.


Alan Chambers is the President of Exodus International—the largest worldwide Christian outreach to those dealing with unwanted same-sex attraction.