Xq28

Author's Note

First of all, I would like to say that this story is set a couple years in the future.

CRISPR is a real thing. We have actually used it to edit genes. The technology doesn't work perfectly yet, but I'm sure we will continue to make it better and better. Scientists, doctors, philosophers, and the general public are all debating about the usage of CRISPR—should we use it to get rid of genetic diseases? Or is that not morally right?

For more about CRISPR, especially a better explanation of why some bacteria have virus DNA, Radiolab has an interesting podcast: http://www.radiolab.org/story/antibodies-part-1-crispr/

Xq28 is also a real cluster of genes. Scientists have linked it, and some other genes, to male sexual orientation. However, we don't know the precise genes, nor do we know enough about it to edit it. (Also, since there are many genes contributing to sexual orientation, it would be hard to edit.)

For more about Xq28 and the 'gay gene': http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/41472/title/Zeroing-in-on-the--Gay-Gene-/