Humans are incredibly diverse. Skin like milk or molasses, tints of red and yellow; eyes the colors of sky, sea, earth and leaf. Every brain and body unique.

Even our sex cannot be described simply as “female” (XX) or “male” (XY). The discovery of “twinning” in sex cells (an XYY male) opens the possibility of an XXY and XXX humans.

Chemical stressors at various stages of fetal development can alter genetic instructions. In the 1950s, one in every 10,000 humans was born with genitalia of both sexes. Babies were surgically altered, often without parental knowledge. Better reporting suggests the correct number may be one in 4,000.

Science has learned that “female” brains differ from “male” brains in certain structures. Some research has suggested “gay male” brains are more like “female” brains.

There may not be a “gay gene,” but it is certain we are incredibly complex and diverse in our genetics, chemistry, development and ultimate expression as humans. To demand conformity to definitions and expectations of “female” or “male,” based on a 7,000-year-old belief system, is unenlightened at best.

Will we accept all people as they are, perfect in their creation? Worthy of respect, deserving happiness? Will we choose that which causes others harm, denies their humanity and equality?

I’ll light my aromatherapy candle, pray during my yoga, and ask myself, “What would Harry Potter do?”

Joanne D’Unger, Leeds

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