[dmw07]

Originally Posted by Dades

Is it a hormonal thing? Surely genetic refers to how our brains are wired from birth - which is fine. But isn't this just suggesting that a rewiring can happen when the brain is damaged and works naturally to overcome damage?

I don't think this goes against the notion that people are born gay. On the contrary it complements the idea that our brains are wired a certain way.

Is it a hormonal thing?
A lot of studies point to a mixture of hormones and genetics and not just one definitive cause.

[kylith]

Originally Posted by Galvasean

That was my initial reaction too.

Me too. I feel sorry for his ex-fiancée, but I'm glad he's happy.

Originally Posted by Dades

Is it a hormonal thing? Surely genetic refers to how our brains are wired from birth - which is fine. But isn't this just suggesting that a rewiring can happen when the brain is damaged and works naturally to overcome damage?

I don't think this goes against the notion that people are born gay. On the contrary it complements the idea that our brains are wired a certain way.

My only worry is that it could lead to some idiots labelling gay people 'brain damaged'.

[recedite]

I'm giving up backflips.

[robindch]

^^^ Homophobe!

[sponsoredwalk]

Originally Posted by recedite

I'm giving up backflips.

Always knew you were a backflipper...

[Pompey Magnus]

Originally Posted by Dades

I don't think this goes against the notion that people are born gay. On the contrary it complements the idea that our brains are wired a certain way.

I think the worry may be that if it is down to how the brain is wired there may well be certain Christian groups sitting up to attention at this story, if this kind of thing works one way there is no reason to assume it can't work the other.

The Ex-Gay Movement in the US is growing and is a relatively big business nowadays, the Attorney General of the US opposed the movement earlier this year by saying that there is growing scientific evidence that sexual orientation is an "immutable" characteristic. This story would provide the Ex-Gay Movement with ammunition to suggest that the scientific evidence may have been wrong and their argument that gay people can be "cured" would be strengthened.

[recedite]

Originally Posted by robindch

19-stone male macho rugby player has a stroke, wakes up a condemned man.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/ar...wakes-gay.html

^^^ Daily Mail reader !!

[recedite]

Originally Posted by Pompey Magnus

if this kind of thing works one way there is no reason to assume it can't work the other.

Forward flips then?

[robindch]

Toronto zoo is to separate a pair of overly friendly male penguins.

http://thedailyedge.thejournal.ie/ga...75716-Nov2011/

Meanwhile, here's how China got to hear about the story:

[sponsoredwalk]

Malaria is a disease caused by parasites passed to humans via the
bites of infected mosquitoes. Globally, the disease causes over a
million deaths every year, and is especially rife in parts of Africa and
Asia. The parasites infect red blood corpuscles (the hemoglobin-
containing cells that carry oxygen around the body) and hijack the
support structure within the cells. Some people are known to be
naturally resistant to the serious effects of malaria, and scientists
have wondered for decades exactly how their resistance functions.
Now new research gone a long way to solving the mystery.
link

The comments section indicates a libertarian perspective on the above.

[lynski]

Originally Posted by kylith

Me too. I feel sorry for his ex-fiancée, but I'm glad he's happy.

My only worry is that it could lead to some idiots labelling gay people 'brain damaged'.

Well, I was telling my husband about the rugby player the other day and how it reminded me of the story that my mother tells about a much loved, now deceased Irish singer. As far as she and her friends were aware he was a devil for the ladies, especially married ones, in his youth and he got caught by a husband who beat the living daylights out of him resulting in a blow to the head and waking up with 'the gay'. he was never out, just assumed to be gay.
she genuinely believed that another blow could knock him the other way.
i think this very straight rugby player possibly had some damage in the prefrontal cortex which controls inhibition so previously buried inclinations got unburied.
Who doesn't know someone that is so far in the closet they do not even know there is a closet?
unfortunately this does give fuel to the pray out the gay brigade and more ammo to aim at confused young people adding to the pile-o-misery created and perpetuated by various religions

[Jernal]

Neil DeGrasse Tyson is on Reddit right now answering questions! !
My fav so far :

If you could add one course to a student's curriculum, what would it be?

Course title every university should offer: "How to tell when someone else is full of ****"

[robindch]

Originally Posted by Malty_T

"How to tell when someone else is full of ****"

Funny, but this was something that catholic-controlled schools never taught.

[Jernal]

Originally Posted by robindch

Funny, but this was something that catholic-controlled schools never taught intentionally.

FYP

[Jernal]

If he ever does pass away - and I sincerely hope that isn't for several decades yet- then this should be his tribute. What a fitting one it is too. Truly an excellent youtube gem.