Date: Tue, 9 Oct 2012 23:53:45 -0400 (EDT)
From: Bwstories8@aol.com
Subject: Future Imperfect - short story

Future Imperfect -- By BW
Copyright 2012 by BillWstories

The more things change, the more they are the same.
(Alphonse Karr)

			*	*	*	*	*

I had just arrived home and decided to turn on CNN to see if anything of
importance had happened during the day.  The television hadn't been on very
long when I heard the newscaster make a claim about a new scientific discovery
that left me in shock.

"The scientific world is abuzz concerning a recent discovery made by the Human
Genome Project.  This group of genetic researchers announced today that it has
identified the specific genes responsible for determining sexual orientation," the
announcer began.  "The HGP has reported that it has spent years searching
through human DNA for the genetic factors that influence sexual predilection, but
had encountered many roadblocks along the way.  The group now states that the
major problem with identifying these markers was that although most
characteristics are predicated on a single gene from each chromosome, one from
the mother and the other from the father, sexual orientation results from the
combination of a pair of genes passed along by each parent.  The group has now
proven there is a linked pair of genes on each chromosome that when combined
determines the individual's sexual orientation.

"Normally, an individual receives a corresponding gene from each parent, which
is either dominant or recessive, but in this case the individual gets a
corresponding pair of genes from each parent.  This means that instead of two
genes combining to determine a characteristic there are four genes that will
provide either a dominant or recessive trait.  In this particular scenario, if the
individual gets three or four dominant genes (or zero or one recessive genes)
from his parents then that person will be heterosexual.  If the individual receives
one or two dominant genes out of the four (or two or three of the recessive
genes), then that person will be bi-sexual.  However, if the individual winds up
having no dominant genes ( or all four recessive genes) then that person will be
a homosexual.

"It appears as if this might end the debate about whether sexual orientation is
based on 'nature or nurture,' although this group of researchers has suggested
that nurture may determine other factors, such as if the person is either passive
or aggressive, dominant or submissive, or how outwardly affectionate the
individual is to his or her partner, regardless of their particular orientation."

To say the least, I was stunned after listening to this report.  I merely stood there
staring at the screen, but couldn't concentrate on what the announcer was
currently saying.  My mind was consumed with the implications about what this
finding might mean to the gay community.  In fact, I don't know how long I
remained transfixed in this semi-catatonic state before I was rudely jerked back
to the present by the ringtone on my cell phone.  I knew this distinctive signal
indicated that it was my boyfriend calling.

"Hey, Royce.  What's up?" I answered, rather mechanically.

"Deuce, were you by any chance watching CNN?" he blurted out, just as soon as
I finished speaking.

Let me take a moment to clarify something for you.  My name is Ernest Jefferson
Whipple II, since I was named after my grandfather, but I hate my name.
Therefore, my friends either call me EJ or Deuce, because I'm the second one
with this name.

"Yes, I turned on CNN shortly after I got home," I confirmed.

"Did you hear the report about the scientists finding a genetic link for sexual
orientation?" he wondered.

"Absolutely!" I exclaimed.  "I was just contemplating what effect this might have
on the debate about gay rights."

"Yeah, it certainly makes me wonder," Royce shot back.  "Do you think people
will finally stop claiming we made a choice to be gay?"

"I doubt it," I confessed.  "People often ignore the facts if it doesn't fit their
particular viewpoint.  I'm sure the same thing will happen here."

"But if our sexual preference is determined by our genes, then we had no more
choice over who we're attracted to than we did about any of our physical
characteristics," he reasoned.  "How can they continue to vilify us for being gay
when it's part of our genetic code?"

"I don't know, but I'm sure they'll try to find a way," I admitted, while sitting down
and slouching in my chair.  "Even though I wish this would improve the current
situation for the gay community, I'm sure we'll get just as much shit as we always
have about being gay."

"Damn, I was hoping this discovery would make things better," Royce whined.
"I'm sick of hearing my parents rant about how my being gay is a sin.  How the
fuck can they say that now, if God programmed it into our DNA?"

"Oh, I have no doubt your parents and other religious fanatics will find a way to
continue to condemn us," I replied.

I wanted to be optimistic about how this would impact our lives, but if past
experiences serve as an indicator of future outcomes then I don't expect anything
will change.  Since I've generally found this to be the norm, I tend to be a realist
when assessing situations, which usually translates into my having a pessimistic
viewpoint when it comes to possible change.

"Don't you think at least some parents will be more accepting of their gay and
lesbian children now?" Royce pressed.  "Things have to get better since this
news has come out."

"Oh, I'm sure some parents will change their attitudes now, but I'm just as certain
the hardcore elements will find a way to declare these findings to be fraudulent
and come up with counter claims from scientists that adhere to their point of
view," I offered.  "It's just like expert witnesses in court cases.  You can always
come up with supposed experts to refute any new findings, providing you give
them the right motivation."

"Damn, I hope not!  I was really counting on this making things better for us,"
Royce explained.  "Why can't people just accept the scientific finding and realize
we're not freaks?"

"It's because they don't WANT to do that.  They prefer to cling to their
preconceived views and won't change until they're forced to," I answered.  "Many
will go to their graves before they are willing to accept the fact that we don't have
a choice over which sex we're attracted to."

"Fuck!  I was hoping this would end all of the gay slurs and finally allow us to live
like everyone else," Royce lamented.  "I want us to be able to get married and be
recognized as spouses in every state, as well as by the federal government.  I
want to be able to adopt and have all the rights and benefits afforded to other
married couples, without having it depend on the gender of the person we
married."

"That's a lovely thought, although I'm not sure it's realistic," I moaned.  "Over
time, it's possible that enough people may be convinced that being gay is not a
choice and will change things to make acceptance of same sex couples part of
the law, but don't count on it happening anytime soon."

"Why do you always have to be Mr. Doom and Gloom?" Royce shot back.

Even though I couldn't see him, I knew his shoulders had just drooped in
resignation.

"Probably because experience has been my teacher," I replied.  "If it works out
better than that, then I'll be pleased, but at least this way I won't be
disappointed."

Although we soon ended our conversation, the controversy had just begun.  Over
the next few weeks the airwaves were filled with reports from competing experts
who were either trying to support or disprove the findings of the original group of
scientists.  It continued like this until the next bombshell hit the headlines.

"Vatican officials announced today that the Pope has issued a papal decree that
requires all Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops, including himself, to be tested
for the recessive genetic link to sexual orientation," the announcer began.
"According to the decree, any of those high ranking officials found to have more
than two of the recessive genes will, automatically, be removed from his post.

"The Vatican also announced that once this testing process has been completed
on the highest ranking church officials, the remaining clergy and support staff
would also have to undergo this testing procedure.  It should prove to be
interesting to see the degree to which this thins out the ranks of the Roman
Catholic hierarchy."

This was only the first of the actions taken by those who feared the impact this
genetic discovery would have on society.  About a month later, we learned the
answer as to what effect this would have on the church.

"It appears as though the first round of testing has been completed on the upper
echelon of the Roman Catholic Church, although Vatican officials have so far
refused to comment on the results of the testing," the announcer stated.
"Independent sources, however, have reported that approximately thirty percent
of the Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops have been removed from their posts
for possessing too many of the recessive sexual orientation genes in their
genetic code.

Damn, the toll this is taking on the Catholic Church is unbelievable, but I doubt
they will be the only religious group that chooses to undergo this process.  I'm
convinced that many of the other religious sects will conduct their own 'witch
hunt' to get rid of undesirable clergy next.  The only question is, where will this
end?

Over time, this type of testing was not only required of the clergy of various
religious communities, but some churches even decided to require that all of its
parishioners needed to be tested as well.  Various denominations wanted to
uncover any gays and bisexuals that had been hiding within their congregations,
so they could weed them out.  Before this decree could be enacted, however, a
few of those being forced to undergo this testing requirement decided to hire
lawyers and issue a legal challenge, which attempted to block this mandatory
testing requirement.

This case proceeded through the judicial system, all the way up to the Supreme
Court, where the justices decided in favor of the churches.  In addition to the
principle of the separation of Church and State, the ruling stated that since these
measures were being carried out by private organizations, the religious groups,
therefore, had the right to stipulate whom they would allow as members.  Anyone
wishing to remain a member of any of those churches must be willing to adhere
to the policies of that organization or relinquish his membership.

Once the ruling came down, the various congregants were forced to choose to
either undergo this testing procedure or forfeit their right to belong to that church.
In the end, most of the churches that had this testing requirement not only got rid
of those who refused to be tested, but they also unceremoniously tossed out
anyone having more than one of the recessive genes, although some overly
zealous churches banned anyone found to have even a single recessive gene.
They claimed they did this to eliminate the prospect of producing other
degenerates in future generations.

Shortly after the Supreme Court made its ruling, Royce and I were spending
some time together at his place when he informed me about another news story
that I must have missed.

"Did you hear that some school districts are going to require all employees to
undergo genetic testing if they want to keep their jobs?" he asked.

"No way!" I exclaimed.  "That can't possibly be legal.  Maybe for private and
religious schools, but certainly not for the public schools."

"The teachers' unions are taking the issue to court, so it will be interesting to see
how the judges rule," Royce confirmed.  "I have a feeling you might be right
about them being unable to do that in public schools, but it seems that many
school board members across the country must feel it's worth a try to see if they
can get the rule instated."

"Damn, they're so afraid of us that they now feel they have to find a way to
eliminate anyone from the LGBT community from coming anywhere near their
children," I muttered.  "If this is allowed, then no one will be able to remain
closeted.  Those afraid of the LGBT community will keep trying to railroad these
types of policies through and will not stop until there is absolutely no way to hide
your sexual orientation."

"Scary, isn't it?" Royce countered.  "You know what's worse?  I heard the Scouts
are also trying to have the same type of testing done on all of the scout leaders.
If they get that through, then they'll probably start testing all of the Scouts too."

"Fuck, this is unbelievable," I commiserated.

Royce and I thought we had seen the worst of it until we saw another news
broadcast, a few days later.

"Genetic testing laboratories have reported a massive spike in prenatal genetic
testing," the announcer stated.  "It appears that some prospective parents are
willing to pay out large sums of money to determine how many recessive sexual
orientation genes their unborn child has.  I think the implication of this trend is
quite clear, although possibly somewhat disturbing.  What decisions will these
parents make when they get the results of these tests back?"

"Holy shit!  Are they going to abort any fetus they discover is either gay or bi?"
Royce screamed.  "I thought this discovery was going to help, not make matters
worse!"

"Since many of the same people who are against homosexuality are also pro-life,
then maybe they won't abort the fetus," I reasoned.  "Although there aren't a lot
of alternatives, maybe they'll come up with one."

"Maybe they'll just give the baby up for adoption," Royce suggested, "and since
the child is going to be gay or bisexual, then they could allow a gay couple to
adopt the child."

"I hope that's how it works," I conceded, "but I have a very strong feeling that's
not going to happen either."

I hoped it was possible Royce's suggestion might prevail, but unfortunately that
was not how it worked out.  Even though many of these parents were pro-life, a
great many of them found ways to cause the mother to miscarry the unwanted
fetus, while still others allowed their moral objection to homosexuality take
precedence over their moral opposition to abortion.

Just when we thought the situation couldn't get any worse, another revelation
surfaced about how this new information was being bastardized.  It seemed that
a group of extremely conservative scientists had developed another alternative
for parents finding the results of the genetic testing on their unborn child
unacceptable.  Any family that could afford it was now provided with the option of
paying these scientists to use genetic targeting to eliminate the recessive genes
for sexual orientation and replace them with copies of the dominant gene.  Once
word of this procedure got out to the public, there was an immediate uproar.

"We've got to ban the use of genetic engineering to produce designer children,"
one female protestor objected.  "Where will it end?  If this is permitted, then some
parents will be able to determine every aspect of their child's genetic code.  They
will be able to start by selecting the child's sex first, and then go down a list of
options, such as hair and eye color, height, intelligence, musical or artistic
predispositions, as well as being able to eliminate any offensive characteristics,
such as eliminating the obesity gene.  This process will end up becoming similar
to buying a car.  If you are well off and can afford to have the procedure
performed, you can choose the options your child will have."

"She's correct and it's exactly what could happen," I agreed.  "The very rich and
well to do will be able to design their children to meet their requirements and
eliminate anything they consider as undesirable, like being gay."

"But the poor won't be able to do that," Royce added.

"No they'll merely end up with whatever nature gives them, like they do now," I
responded.  "Since it's the same way it's always been for the poor, at least they
won't be any worse off than they are now, except for those who don't want gay
children."

"What do you think they'll do when they find out the child might be gay?" Royce
asked.  "Do you think they will try to prevent those babies from being born?"

"Possibly, if they can afford the tests before the baby is born," I agreed.
"Otherwise, they'll just treat the kid like dirt or throw him out later, like they do
now."

Once again we felt that we had reached the lowest extremes anyone could stoop
to when a more insidious plot began to develop.  Since this particular threat was
being carried out in secret, the public only got wind of it through the efforts of a
whistleblower.

"A research group I am currently employed by is planning to use a form of
genetic targeting to eliminate all recessive sexual identity genes," the shadowy
figure with the electronically altered voice stated.  "They are working to develop a
process similar to one currently being used to target and destroy harmful and
diseased cells, such as cancer cells."

"And how exactly do they intend to do this?" the reporter asked.

"They are researching several different carriers that they believe can be altered
to produce the desired results," the disguised figured answered.  "Right now they
are experimenting with both a viral and bacteria strain capable of targeting only
these specific recessive genes, but if this line of research fails to produce the
desired results, then they are also working on developing a poison that will attach
itself to the unwanted genes and destroy them."

"Won't that kill all gays and bisexuals?" the reporter responded.

"It won't kill them, but will leave them without any sexual desires or urges
whatsoever," the whistleblower responded.  "However, the groups main intent is
to eliminate all recessive genes so they cannot be passed on to future
generations.  If they are successful, then there will be no gays or bisexuals within
another couple of generations."

"And how do they plan to introduce this substance into the population?" the
reporter followed.

"They are currently working on various delivery systems," the man answered.
"One is airborne, another is waterborne and the last is food-borne.  Any of those
systems will be able to saturate the entire population without anyone knowing it is
taking place."

"A terribly frightening thought," the reporter concluded.

"See, I knew it," I told Royce.  "They don't care why we're gay.  It doesn't matter
to them if it was a choice we made or if we were born this way, they just want to
eliminate us."

"My God, this reminds me of what the Nazis tried to do to the Jews," Royce
replied.  "They just want to find the easiest way to get rid of us, because in their
minds they don't consider us as people.  The problem is, unlike the Jews there
will be nowhere for us to hide, especially if they can just add it to the food, water
or air."

Royce was correct.  The insidiousness of this plot ranks with the despicability of
the experiments that Dr. Josef Mengele, the infamous Nazi death camp doctor,
performed.  Unfortunately, none of the records from Mengele's experiments
survived, so the exact purpose of the medical procedures he was attempting to
perfect and their intent cannot be positively determined.  However, it has long
been suspected that he was performing genetic studies that he believed could be
used to advance the Aryan race and possibly eradicate others.

Various LGBT groups, along with many others opposed to eugenics and genetic
engineering, were morally outraged by this disclosure.  They immediately began
to protest against the nefarious extent these rogue scientists were willing to go to
advance their agenda, but it had little effect.  Since this research was being
conducted in secret and carried out at many undisclosed laboratories, it was
difficult to curtail.   As of yet there have been no signs that they have succeeded
in their attempt to come up with such a genetic targeting method, but if they are
successful in their efforts, then life as it has been passed on for many thousands
of years will definitely be diverted and take a shocking new course.

What once appeared to be the key to ending discrimination has now changed
into a way to ferret out what some people still believe is a hidden immoral threat
within the population.  This once heralded discovery that sexual orientation is not
a choice has now become the criteria some are using to determine if pregnancies
are wanted or not.  What was once thought of as a boon to the LGBT community
has now turned into one of its worst nightmares, because of the choices made by
those ruled by bigotry and hatred!


THE END

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