To the Editor:

Yet another scientific study has found evidence of a genetic link to homosexual behavior.

These studies anger those who are prejudiced against gay people because they discredit arguments that being gay is a “choice” or “unnatural.” If it’s in someone’s genes then it is, by definition, natural — of and from nature. Homosexuality is a part of our genetic history and should be dealt with in the same manner as other genetic issues from hair color to race or gender.

These cannot be controlled any more than sexuality. Still, many people choose to see only the behavior and not the reasons for that behavior. It doesn’t take a genius to understand that being gay is not a choice. Why would millions of Americans choose a lifestyle for which they will be scorned by an intolerant society? A lifestyle in which committed couples are not entitled to the same legal benefits as straight married couples? A lifestyle for which they might get beaten up or killed? A lifestyle that may very well isolate them from friends and family?

Being gay is not something you choose, it’s something you realize that you are. And the only choice for a gay person is whether to accept being gay and live a happy, productive life, or deny it and live in a lonely closet — lying and hiding.

William C. Stosine

Iowa City, Iowa