Going Against Conventional Wisdom

To the Editor:

Re “People Say Queer People Are Born That Way. It’s More Complicated,” by Charles M. Blow (“Don’t Tell My Friends, But …” series, Aug. 4):

As one of those who “fit a certain cultural stereotype,” a gay man who has experienced same-gender attraction long before puberty, I must object to Mr. Blow’s dismissal of biology as a major contributor to sexual orientation.

Studies of identical twins have shown a 50 percent or more concordance of both twins being same-gender-attracted if one is — strikingly high compared with the incidence in the general population, and evidence of the strong role of genetics in this particular human condition.

When he concludes that the identification and expression of our attractions (though not the attractions themselves) are merely choices, I’m afraid that Mr. Blow does not, as he claims, make the discussion “more sophisticated,” but simplifies it for those who think that L.G.B.T.Q.+ people are just making bad choices that are unhealthy for themselves and society, and that can be outlawed, like smoking in public.

I remained silent and in dread for decades for fear of losing my job, my family, even my freedom if arrested. I was born with a certain genetic code, and born into an environment and society with its own codes that are also a part of me.

I will still insist I was “Born This Way,” not as a political slogan, but as the most accurate explanation of who I am.

Bradford Colegate
Columbus, Ohio
The writer is a retired family physician.

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To the Editor:

Re “The Saying Goes: Dogs Are Man’s Best Friend. But Cats Are Better,” by Pamela Paul:

Dear Ms. Paul:

Just answer one question for me: Would you rather your human significant other acted more like a cat or more like a dog?