[s2b2] Heterogenesis, three years later

[ladysisyphus]

The question, out of tumblr, goes:Hi, this is a random question, but a friend and I had conversation about your story Heterogenesis. It provoked some really interesting conversation about ethics of the fake study as well as just changing something that is an inherent part of you. I wonder if you would be willing to, could you talk about your

Comments

[not_amy]

I'm the person who asked on tumblr. I appreciate you taking the time to write out your thoughts on the story, as it is certainly one of the most interesting viewpoints I have seen a m/m romance take. My response here may be a bit disjointed, so I apologize if I cease making sense, I'm in the middle of traveling and a brutal coursework cycle.

I am not sure I feel that the study was ethical, but I don't have any concrete ideas why. It simply could be because the concept of changing your sexuality/choosing your sexuality has some very disturbing possibilities/problematic outcomes. At the very least, I'm not sure it could have passed through the ethics board. Although, I'm not involved in genetics or psychology, I don't really know how their code of ethics/oversight committees would handle something like this.

The first time I read Heterogenesis, I left the story feeling happy with the ending (I still am, in the context of it being a very well told story). Upon my rereading this year, I left the story feeling very troubled, or perhaps provoked might be a better word. Regardless, I like that it is making me uneasy, and that the story is pushing me toward developing an opinion about the ethics of genetic changes for homosexuality (although, like you, I do throw my hands up and say "Both!" when it comes to nature and nurture). I also appreciate that Heterogenesis was able to prompt such an interesting and in depth conversation with a friend.