Homosexuality in the Animal Kingdom

            So what is the big deal about homosexuality? Why do we have to label it and then follow those labels? Is it an exclusively human behavior or is it found in the animal world as well? There are so many questions that can be asked about homosexuality and what its purpose is, but in the end it doesn’t matter! As long as it makes the two people involved happy that’s all that matters. To answer one of the questions: no, homosexuality is not exclusively a human behavior. It is found all over the animal world.

            I love the intro to Kluger’s essay. “Giraffes do it, goats do it, birds and bonobos and dolphins do it. Human beings – a lot of them anyway – like to do it too.” (Kluger 337). After reading his essay, this is, in fact, very true. Homosexual behavior is not something that human beings explore. Kluger explained that bonobos, giraffes, dolphins, elephants, rodents, penguins, and many other animals explore homosexuality. Homosexual relations in the animal world also consist of both men-men and women-women, which can last for years. Plus, many of these species stay in homosexual relationships for 5, 10, or even 15 years! Many homosexual animals, such as bears, actually raise young in homosexual relationships. This sounds a lot like homosexual relationships we see between humans, whether man-man or woman-woman.  

            So, can we use animal examples of homosexuality as a way to support homosexuality? Why not? This just proves that humans aren’t the only species experimenting with same-sex sex. We think of ourselves as an experimental species. We try drugs, alcohol, same-sex relations, and thrill seeking; anything we  can that will give us an extra “high”. Other animal species aren’t really like that, and to see them forming homosexual relationships shows me that it is a naturally occurring thing that happens, not something humans decided to try. Not to say if animals are doing it then it must be alright, but I think this example of homosexuality really does prove that it’s a natural feeling.

            Now, someone who doesn’t believe in homosexuality can argue this to death. They could say “Well, animals don’t have sophisticated brains and thoughts. Hell, they throw their own poop. So how can we compare ourselves and our feelings to animals?!?!?” I can kind of agree, but animals don’t do as many stupid things as humans do, and animals don’t do things because they feel like it. Many animals do things due to their needs, thoughts, feelings, and their environment. I feel that homosexuality is a naturally occurring feeling that happens in all species, and we should embrace it, not shun it!