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Jermonte Hatcher Instructor: Malcolm Campbell English 1102 20 August 2014 Topic Proposal: Homosexuality: Nature vs. Nurture Introduction/Overview For my topic proposal, I decided I wanted to choose and research on something that I could give more insight onto, not only for the public and my peers, but also for myself. I wanted to do something that I could give personal information and personal experiences to my peers and also learn about it at the same time while teaching about the topic. I have chosen to do Homosexuality: Nature vs Nurture and what effects are included in deciding which one is the correct term on how homosexuality is determined whether that be in nature or in that individuals environment after birth. Nature in science means that we you were born a specific way, while nurture means that the environment in some way had something to do with changing ones mindset on something personal such as homosexuality. This a very touchy subject, because it is a very complex and everyone may not agree with the topic but there are groups, both individually and professional thoughts about this topic that are also of equal value. I want to get both the cons and pros of this topic, for that will help better the research process. I can definitely see both sides on how they can both be correct and also both wrong. So therefore, my topics main question is what determines homosexuality, whether it be before the individual is born (nature), or if the environment affects or alters the individuals perception or mindset of sexual orientation. There has been mainstream scientific evidence and support for the topic that I have proposed. The American Psychological Association, which is considered to be the largest

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organization of Psychologists had quite a few words to say about the topic. I had done some research on ProCon.org and what they had to say about it was that there are a large amount of theories that are out there about the origins of sexual orientation. Most scientists today agree that there is evidence environmentally, biologically, and cognitively affecting a persons sexual orientation, but they also stated that there is recent evidence that biology, including genes, play a significant role in a persons sexual orientation. So there are different reasons for different people that are being considered a homosexual. Research for this topic is still being discovered and trying to be understood all over the world. People today want to understand what is causing people to want to resort to being gay. I have found that the American Psychological Association has dedicated pamphlets to people who do not understand homosexuality. It answers all questions regarding the science behind homosexuality. I talked with some peers and they are actually all gay, so of course they agreed that homosexuality is caused by nature. The APA website even clarifies that children (not that it is that relevant, just an interesting fact) of homosexuality overall, research indicates that their children do not differ at all (development, adjustment, overall well-being) from the children of those who are heterosexual. I have blogged about this as well to voice my opinion and state facts as well for people who may not understand at all what causes homosexuality. Initial Inquiry Question(s) I have thought about my initial question most of the week now and I can only come up with one but there are several other questions that I do have about my topic as well and I will suggest those as well for myself and my peers. The main question I have is what causes people to become homosexual? Is it something like a gene or hormone that causes the child to become homosexual while they are in the womb still? Is the environment really the cause of what makes

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these individuals homosexual? If so, then what can make these individuals go back to heterosexuality, which is considered the norm of the society we live in? Should there be support in finding out more about the cause of homosexuality? Should there be more support overall with homosexuality instead of denying them rights as others, especially if it is a natural cause that has made them this way? Will there be a possible change in society upon finding out more research? Do you think society would be more accepting if it is naturally caused? Does sexual abuse play a part in making individuals homosexual? Does the parent and child relationship in a house hold cause the child to turn to homosexuality because of their feelings of guilt or desperation? I find all of these questions very interesting and hope to at least get a glimpse of an answer or insight from professionals or from doing the research on my own. My Interest in this Topic I am interested in researching my topic because it personally will help me better understand myself and other people, in the society we live in, as well as people in my family. Its significance to me is, of course, that I am a homosexual, or gay man. At the age of roughly eight or nine, I had my first sexual encounter with a guy. I was not sure if it was right at the moment but I had grown to accept that I was different than everyone else. I soon realized that I was and then finally came out to my family as a gay man of society. Some were worried that I would not make it because of the complexity of my orientation, but I am the only one to go to college from my family and I now have a successful fianc as well. So, for me, this research paper is going to be heart felt by me because it really does connect with me unintentionally. I am going to enjoy the process. I already know that homosexuality is frowned upon by society which is fine, but the world is changing and hopefully we all have equal rights. I also know that homosexuality is not a mental disorder of any kind or mental illness. I am interested in knowing if there was something

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embedded in my genes or brain possibly hat has made me different than most in society because it would make me feel a lot better about myself and about my relationship with other people in general. My life would be a little better knowing that I could not control the outcome of my sexual orientation and that I could not change even if I wanted to and wanted to live the normal life as others do. That to me, makes the EIP research project seem a lot more meaningful and personal for me. Next Steps In order for me to do more research, I will be visiting a couple of places. I will definitely be going to the library to use the database to search for peer-reviewed sources about my topic. I will also be going online at procon.org for a lot more information as well on my topic. I will also be using the APA (American Psychological Association) website, apa.org as well to get a lot more specific information about what homosexuality is and where it could have originated from and what is being done and researched about the topic. In addition to all of that, I will be speaking with a respectable individual on campus about the controversy, Mrs. Crystal Moore, who teaches the history of sexuality courses here on campus. She will be helping me with getting more sources as well on my topic and if there is anything natural that could cause homosexuality, versus the environment.