Lady Gaga’s anthem “Born This Way” celebrates the idea that our identities are innate, urging us to embrace who we are from birth. But what if we took this concept literally?
Imagine a world where doctors could determine a baby’s sexual orientation right from the delivery room. How would society react?
Parenting in the Know
In this hypothetical scenario, parents would have the advantage of foresight. If a baby girl is identified as a future butch lesbian, parents might skip the pink nurseries and dollhouses, opting instead for toolsets and sports gear. For a baby boy destined to be gay, perhaps they’d trade traditional toys for theater tickets and fashion magazines. The guessing game of parenting would shift dramatically.
Reimagining Gender Reveal Parties
Gender reveal parties have become a staple in modern celebrations, often featuring pink or blue themes. In this new world, these events would take on a whole new dimension. Instead of simple gender reveals, parents might announce their child’s future sexual orientation with rainbow-colored explosions or themed decorations, adding layers of complexity to an already elaborate tradition.
The End of “Coming Out”
What will all the Hollyweirdos do who relish in their “gender” reveals, generally when they are pursuing new roles. “Coming out” was all the craze only a decade or so ago. A significant rite of passage for many in the LGBTQ+ community, coming out was said to show bravery in facing the cruel heterosexual world. However, in a world where sexuality is known from birth, this personal journey would become obsolete. Families and friends would already be aware, potentially reducing the struggles associated with revealing one’s true self later in life. What will actors do for roles, particularly when their careers are on the slide?
Ethical and Social Implications
This scenario also opens a Pandora’s box of ethical dilemmas. Would some parents choose to terminate pregnancies based on a child’s future sexual orientation? Such actions could lead to a new form of discrimination, echoing historical prejudices. The LGBTQ+ movement, which has long fought for acceptance and equality, might find itself facing challenges reminiscent of past civil rights struggles.
Public Figures and Personal Journeys
Public figures like Caitlyn Jenner have brought discussions about gender and sexuality into the mainstream. Jenner’s highly publicized transition sparked both support and criticism, highlighting society’s complex relationship with these topics. Transgender individuals, such as former Navy SEAL Kristin Beck, have also shared their stories, emphasizing the deeply personal nature of understanding and embracing one’s identity.
A World Too Predictable?
While the idea of knowing a child’s sexuality at birth might seem like a step toward greater understanding, it also raises questions about the loss of personal discovery. The journey of self-identification is a profound aspect of the human experience. Removing this element of personal revelation could lead to a more predictable, but potentially less rich, tapestry of human life.
In the end, the beauty of human diversity lies in its unpredictability. While the notion of determining sexuality at birth presents intriguing possibilities, it also challenges the essence of personal growth and the celebration of individuality. Perhaps it’s this very uncertainty that makes life so wonderfully complex and worth embracing in all its forms.
