Posted on 04/18/2006 7:52:52 PM PDT by DBeers
The reasons and causes for homosexuality should no longer be viewed only in terms of the long-debated nature-versus-nurture argument, a women’s studies and sexuality expert told a small group in Gerlinger Lounge on campus Monday.
Jennifer Terry, a program director and associate professor in Woman’s Studies at the University of California-Irvine, spoke to the 19-person audience on a new concept she refers to as “nature culture.”
“Nature and nurture are not separate, but intertwined together,” she said.
The presentation, entitled “Burying the Bone: Primal Scenes Among Queer Companion Species,” looked at the debate through discussing homosexuality in animals and how it relates to humans. Terry gave examples of homosexual octopi, “The two males used their ninth arm, or what we humans call a third leg,” she said. Also, Terry used examples of homosexuality in sheep, rats and monkeys.
Originally, research on homosexuality in animals focused on pumping female rats with testosterone and monitoring their brain responses. However, when scientists turned the focus onto monkeys, a shift in philosophy occurred.
“Greater attention turned to social activities, which were viewed more important than biological research,” Terry said.
Terry fears that religious groups and conservative politicians could use the focus on animals and homosexuality in scientific research against the gay community. Looking at it as an animal act dehumanizes gays, she said.
“The animals are pawns used for political argument,” Terry said after the presentation.
She feels that the reasons for homosexuality in animals — and humans for that matter — will never truly be solved through scientific and psychological research. A combination of “biology and culture are too complex a topic to be sufficiently answered,” she said.
Her speech became personal when she told of a sexual encounter involving her current companion that occurred in 2001. While living in Berkeley with a friend, the friend’s dog, a Chow Bella named Buster, sat on the bed while she was in the thralls of a sexual experience. Terry quickly removed the dog from the bed.
The next day, Terry found a bone underneath her pillow, a sign of affection from the dog. That brought to the forefront of her mind the idea that companion animals, such as dogs and horses, can be gay.
Terry became passionate about the study of homosexuality and the concept of nature versus nurture in the late 1990s with the publications of research showing that the brain caused homosexuality.
“I became concerned about what the significant and larger political gay rights issue involved,” Terry said.
The University’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Support Services director, Chicora Martin, was happy to have Terry speak on the topic.
“It was very thought provoking,” Martin said. “It is a contemporary twist on a discussion we have had for decades.”
The Standing Committee for LGBT Concerns sponsored the speech. Terry’s presentation is part of the 2006 InterSEXions program, which aims to bring the campus together on social issues. It is the 11th time the committee has hosted the event.
For those who wondered where the Left would take us after they force gay-marriage upon us.......
The University’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Support Services director, Chicora Martin, was happy to have Terry speak on the topic.
If you ask me, they should all be on a leash.
Thanks, that was one of the all time funniest SouthPark episodes.
Well, my male neutered lab has been known to hump other male dogs.
The next day, Terry found a bone underneath her pillow, a sign of affection from the dog. That brought to the forefront of her mind the idea that companion animals, such as dogs and horses, can be gay.
By the way, aptly enough in light of the subject matter, the animal mascot of UC Irvine is the anteater.
What is with the homosexuality obsession here? I'm starting to get the creeps :/
Animals can be homosexuals and homosexuals can be animals. Just ask Barney Frank.
Oh, I don't think I can stop laughing.
I guess she is the "guy" in her relationships.
That's why we have God.
Consider the fact that "homosexual orientation" is subjectively self declared UNLESS some of these homosexual "research scientists" find a method to communicate with animals at best all they can claim is that they obvresved some animals engaged in certain activities. Attributing 'feelings' of orientation and or love to an observed animal's disordered sexual activities is at best delusional wishful thinking...
My spayed female dog enjoyed humping stuffed (non-gender specific) animals.. what does that mean???
It means that your dog had a liberal inside just waiting to get out.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.