GSA Video on YouTube
There isn’t much available to read online (or in books for that matter) about Genetic Sexual Attraction, a topic I have written a post about in the past. As a genetic counselor working with people who have gotten surprise DNA results and are reuniting with biological family (whom they might have or have not known existed previously), this topic comes up in conversations. I know that there is more interest and curiosity to understand ‘what is going on’ in those with whom I do not cross paths.
Since I’m able to view analytics behind search terms that bring people to my website, I can see that there are people searching Google for the term “GSA.” Just in the first nine months of 2019, I had over 1500 visitors to the website who found their way here specifically because they had searched Google for the term GSA or a version of it, like “genetic sexual attraction cases.”
I’ve heard of the issue of GSA - or something similar to it if it’s not exactly ‘sexual’ - being involved in situations in which adults are reunited after separation from biological relatives due to adoption, donor conception, and NPE (‘not the parent expected’). I mention it briefly in my book The DNA Guide for Adoptees, with a goal of putting a name to it for some readers for whom it might be the first time they hear about GSA. When I find a resource I save it, and make it available to pass along when it seems relevant and needed.
Blake lays out what is known about GSA (very little, it turns out) and makes the case for more research being needed so there is a better understanding of what is going on and how to help. The people going through GSA are often as confused and distressed as everyone else who may later find out about it, if those involved ever decide to share.
This YouTube video went up a few days ago, created and posted by an adoptee named Blake who experienced GSA after reuniting with a biological parent (father/same-sex parent in his case). I have so much respect for Blake and his courage to share about his experience, and for creating such a thoughtful video. He didn’t have to make it, which makes it all the more impressive that he did.
GSA has come up as a discussion point in a few of the secret Facebook groups I admin for people grappling with a DNA surprise. There is also a members-only forum for discussing GSA established by someone else with posts dating back to at least the year 2012. If I learn of other resources, I will post them here.
Most importantly, I second Blake’s call in his video for COMPASSION when talking about GSA and other highly-sensitive and distressing topics. When we talk about difficult things, we create space and opportunity for understanding and healing. Just because something is not commonly discussed doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist, and continuing to stay silent about difficult subjects will not make them go away!
There are many people suffering in silence and if I can help by connecting them with information and support, I’m happy to have my blog going for such a purpose.
We can talk about these things openly, and we can show a genuine desire to understand the experience of another person without judgment. When we do that, we help build healthy connections and relationships for those here today, and for others to follow in the future.
Video link to post in your search bar if hyperlink above does not work for you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XYzTg3R-9U&feature=youtu.be