The Gay Side of Nature

For years people have tried to understand the concept of homosexuality. Once considered a disease or mental impairment, being gay has been evaluated and theorized with the hopes of one day being explained. Even though it is more common it is still viewed as being abnormal and most hold the belief that something is “wrong” with gay people. Sexuality is a diverse and bewildering thing yet we are so quick to accept the notion that men belong with women and vice versa. In his article, Jeffrey Kluger presents a scientist that attempts to explain the rationality behind homosexuality.




The cognitive scientist Bruce Bagemihl has written a book called Biological Exuberance, in which he researches the sexual complexity of the animal kingdom. He has ultimately discovered that animal species frequently obtain same sex partners. “What’s more, same- sex partners don’t meet merely for brief encounters, but may form long-term bonds”. Bagemihl’s findings bring to light what is deemed “natural” in regards to human behavior. He argues that if animals naturally bond with the same sex then humans would have an equal capability to acquire the same bond. He continues to explain that acts of nature can be used to explain human behavior. Bagemihl writes “Animal sexuality is more complex than we imagined. That diversity is part of human heritage”. If birds, giraffes and monkeys of the same sex are emotionally and physically drawn to each other it pushes the issue of homosexuality amongst humans. If homosexuality is not a “choice” as so many people believe we must accept the theory that it is a natural part of life just as opposite sex relationships.



Many scientists dispute Bruce Bagemihl’s claims with the explanation that sexuality is used differently amongst animals. Because species lack verbal communication they in turn use sexual behavior for “alliances and appeasing enemies, all things animals must do with members of both sexes”. Bagemihl responds to this by referring to the animals such as the graylag geese and bears that stay with their same sex partner for years and have been known to form family units with them. As it stands, homosexuality is still a conflicted issue. Many still believe that being gay has nothing to do with natural human nature but is a chosen lifestyle. But Bruce Bagemihl brings an enlightening view to homosexuality and allows us to open our minds to sexual behavior by watching animals in the wild.