GAY - A Product of Nature or Society?

The Natural History Museum of the University of Oslo's "Against Nature?" Exhibition

"We have a Darwinist mentality that all animals only have sex to procreate." – Petter Boeckman

Following a discussion I had with my flatmates I found myself questioning "at what point did people start being gay?" I had always believed that there was no such thing as a gay or lesbian animal so I wondered if homosexuality was a product of changes in society. Animals are there solely to reproduce but humans have developed purpose than this in life. The results of my investigation shocked and surprised me.

Throughout the history of humanity, being gay has always been somewhat "taboo" and people have often shied away from this minority group. Homosexuals live all over the world as part of all groups in society, and have done since records began. There are many examples of famous historical figures who were gay, such as Julius Caesar, Plato and Alexander the Great (Minh T. Nguyen, 1999).

Also there is evidence to show that more than 1,500 animal species practice homosexuality. The study was carried out by the Norwegian Natural History Museum of the University of Oslo for their exhibition “Against Nature?.”

Petter Boeckman, exhibition advisor, said: “One fundamental premise in social debates has been that homosexuality is unnatural. This premise is wrong. Homosexuality is both common and highly essential in the lives of a number of species.”

The study revealed that one of our closest relations, the dwarf chimpanzee, practiced same gender sex to avoid violence and the whole species is bisexual. Bisexual behaviour is also present in lion prides. There is evidence of some completely gay and lesbian couples within species. For example geese and ducks where it is estimated that four to five percent of couples are homosexual, and they are often better at raising young than heterosexuals. This creates the issue of whether humans might be the same. Gay couples have fought a long battle to be able to adopt children, highlighted by celebrity cases such as that of Elton John and his partner. Although it is now legal in many places for homosexual couples to adopt this is still met with a lot of controversy. (Medical Net)

There has been a lot of progress for “gay rights” in the 21^st century but inequalities still exist. A recent article by the “I” showed that a quarter of gay actors and actresses are afraid to come out in case they are discriminated against.

Chris New, a 30-year-old actor, said: “I have never hidden my sexuality… People will turn on you because you’re gay. But I just carry on; this prejudice is ridiculous.” (I, Nick Clark)

It is hoped a charter which enshrines the rights of gay members of the film industry will be agreed later this year. Entertainment trade union, Equity, has proposed the charter after the results were released showing that some homosexual actors and actresses were afraid to come in case they were victimised by the media and lost out on jobs. (I, Nick Clark)

So now I have completely changed my opinions. I realise that homosexuality is widespread in humans across the globe and even in the animal kingdom. And it always has been. My original belief about society manufacturing a lifestyle which allows people to be gay was wrong. I now realise it is actually society which has supressed homosexuality throughout history deeming it as "unnatural", when in fact it is this belief that is unnatural itself. 

Sources:

http://www.enderminh.com/minh/civilrights.aspx

http://www.news-medical.net/news/2006/10/23/20718.aspx

I, Nick Clark, 28/01/12

Tchai-Ovna

Tchai-Ovna, a photo by Akuppa on Flickr.

The Tea House in Otago Lane, Glasgow which holds free gigs including the one with singer-songwriter Andrea Heins (see below for article)

Quirky Venue - Amazing Local Gig

Last week I visited the quirky Tchai-Ovna House of Tea to see singer-songwriter, Andrea Heins, and was surprised by what the free gig had to offer.

The venue was not my usual bustling with people, blaring music and in the heart of Glasgow. Instead it looked like someone's living room, filled with trinkets from across the globe and musty old books. But as I sat down in one of the old wicker chairs and listened to Heins I found myself enjoying a completely different music experience.

The atmosphere was relaxed and the gentle chatter during the performance seemed to rise and wane with the artists music as though it was part of the performance. The whole event reminded me of sitting infront a friends fire on a cold Winter's night, talking and laughing about our week. Listeners ranged from casual teenagers with their friends to smartly dressed business men with briefcases.

Her voice was sweet with a tinge of old country western and Indie, but also versatile and strong. The lyrics seemed to centre around love and were quite poetic at times, while still sending out a clear message. The easy switch between harmonica and guitar in the songs continued their easy flow whilst adding an interesting twist for the listener. Heins was obviously nervous as she had to stop a song or two and begin again and the shaking in her voice was clear at the start. However this is my only critism of the entire night.

Tchai-Ovna has an atmosphere unique to any other music venue I have visited. I highly recommend it if you enjoy intimitate local gigs or even just want a relaxing lunch. By the end of my visit there I was also left questionning, "Why is Andrea Heins not signed?" Her website has music and photography both of an equally high standard.

Andrea Heins and Tchai-Ovna's websites if you want to take a look:
http://www.andreaheins.com/index.html
http://tchaiovna.com/

Feel free to comment please, the more I know the more I can improve!

The Name - "The NIB"

When I was younger my parents often called me "the NIB" in a tongue-and-cheek way and I always took offense to it without knowing what it actually meant.

I began a year of work experience at a local newspaper and learnt the meaning of the word was actually "News In Brief", and now when I look back, I can see how the name stuck. I was always the one who had an opinion on something that was going on in the world, my town, my life.

This is my brief blog about local and international news.

I will be reviewing local events around Glasgow, commenting on the biggest news stories and taking some inspirations from my life.

Hope you enjoy it,
Rebecca