From Kevin Saldanha:

Re: A function for “gay genes” after all? (Feb. 8): Although I haven’t been able to find much substantial data to support my theory on this topic, your article appears to shed some light on my thinking.

Ever since nature evolved sexual reproduction as a ‘fruitful’ way to shuffle a deck of genes in a way that reduced the chances of propagating defective or fatal mutations, there has been a small percentage of individuals in every biological population that have suffered from incomplete dimorphism. In humans, this has included a mental component owing to the size and impact (on our development) of our brains.

As human beings evolved civilized co-existence, there were these individuals who did not fit the ‘breeding’ template and as society found them to be extremely intelligent, compassionate and wholesome people, they were entrusted with maintaining the ‘spirituality’ of the community.

At first, they were squirreled away in monasteries but as the institutions felt a need, they were employed as a direct link to the Gods. With a better understanding behind the physiology of homosexuality, we are now more accepting of alternative lifestyles to the detriment of vocations to the clergy.

Today, as we pay homage to Darwin on the 199th anniversary of his birth, we can credit him with expanding our knowledge of evolution and allowing us to develop as an inclusive society.

Kevin Saldanha
VP, Halton-Peel Humanist Community