Homosexuality isn’t genetic, otherwise it would be bred out.  It may be developmentally influenced.  Things are determined while the brain is developing and organizing itself irrespective of genetics.  So while gays may be “born that way”, they are not “designed that way”.  Homosexual acts in the animal kingdom are acts of dominance and emotional expression in an otherwise non-rational, non-moral bound creature.  You cannot impose human intellect and purpose onto a lower member of the animal kingdom.  You’re comparing apples to oranges.  An act in the animal kingdom cannot be used as a basis for an act in the world of man.  Otherwise you could make a case for infanticide and cannibalism, both of which are viewed as destructive.  You cannot have your cake and eat it too.  You either accept it all or reject it all…you cannot pick and choose just to make your case.

The real question that should be asked is: What is a homosexual? Also, what notions do we hold about it? Etymologically speaking, it clearly means sex with the same sex. But, does it, or rather should it, mean “completely without sexual regard to the opposite sex”? Clearly, this is our notion of a present epitome homosexual. And though this seems to be the case with some human homosexuals, this has not been exemplified in any other animal species.

There is clearly “homosexual activity” in all animal species, but in actuality isn’t this simply the other half of bisexuality? Does pure homosexuality really exist? And if it does, are those instances biological/social aberrations?

Who says homosexuality exists in the animal kingdom?

First off, let’s make the distinction between homosexuality and what appears to be same gender sexual interaction.

As with homo sapiens many animals exibit sexual interplay for various reasons other than reproduction. In fact, it’s entirely plausible that reproduction isn’t even the primary reason for much of the sexual interaction within various animal species. That’s certainly true for humans, as our proclivity for sexual activity far exceeds what’s necessary for reproductive purposes. 

And what about cross-species sexual acting out. If a male dog pumps on a male cat do we refer to them as “homosexuals,” and are they even committing a sexual act? Or, is it something else entirely, like acting out domination/subordination issues.

It seems absurd to refer to animal behavior as “homosexual” when strictly speaking the term can only be applied to homo-sapiens. And even then, committing a homosexual act does not make one a homosexual.

Why does Homosexuality exist in the animal kingdom? For the same reason it exists in the human animal kingdom. Natural Selection’s insurance against over population. Quite apart from having no conscience whatsoever, Natural Selection doesn’t seem to have an eye toward progressivity either. You’ll agree it is a most uncompromising entity Natural Selection, if indeed entity’s the correct term.

First, just because we don’t have answers to WHY doesn’t invalidate anything. I don’t know about you but I haven’t a clue WHY I’M EVEN ON THIS PLANET let alone what this planet is doing in the universe. SO WHAT?

It seems to me different groups have different roles to play in the mosaic that is “life.” Worker bees don’t breed… but the hive wouldn’t function if they don’t guard it and keep it cool. I don’t hear anyone suggesting we kill all the worker bees because they’re not heterosexually active!

Humans who are not involved in the reproductive cycle are usually fully engaged in doing other productive things for society. Heteros who meet and mate according to hormonal directives find themselves with obligations that require pretty much all their time, energy and resources for at least two decades (if they’re raising those kids properly, that is… but that’s a whole other question).

Non-heteros, relieved of family obligations, often invest huge amounts of time and effort into endeavors that otherwise just wouldn’t be pursued.

But the bigger question to ask is WHY DO MANY HUMANS PERSECUTE AND HARRASS NON-HETEROSEXUALS? Where’s the benefit to society?

I’m not sure, but I don’t think “gay” horses or flamingos are shunned from their respective herds and flocks.