Class Video: "Homosexuality: It's about survival - not sex | James O'Keefe | TEDxTallaght"

 Video link: Homosexuality: It's about survival - not sex | James O'Keefe | TEDxTallaght


This video put a completely different spin on the discussion regarding homosexuality and I found it incredibly fascinating. While a lot of arguments defending LGBTQ+ identities are more philosophical and focus on morals and ethics (though there's nothing wrong with this and these arguments are just as valid as others), this one dove into the science behind homosexuality and what in our DNA actually causes it. James O'Keefe took a completely different approach than what I'm familiar with and I admire him for it.

This video also prompted me to reflect on myself. I'm nonbinary and biromantic (there are a few other labels that I identify with as well but we're going to keep it simple) and O'Keefe's claims have made me wonder what the hell is going on in my DNA and my genes that made me this way. I have no doubt that I was born like this but I usually shy away from contemplating the science of it all. But it's also made me consider my role in my family. I'm the middle child in between two brothers and I often have to act as the "middleman" or the "peacekeeper." I'm also my mother's only daughter so we often confide in each other when it comes to feminine issues (though my nonbinary identity and masculine qualities also seem to make me a sort of bridge between the women and men in my family). The video has made me wonder how some of these familial traits of mine could be attributed to my gender and sexuality.

Lastly, I think this video actually boosted my confidence and sense of self-worth a little bit. For a long time I thought that my gender and sexuality was something I had to just deal with and something that people would love me despite of. But this video claimed that queer identities are a vital and integral component of our society. I'm not really sure how to put it into words but it made me feel more valued.

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