Sexual Orientation © Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D.

What is Kinsey’s Continuum? Seven point scale 0=Heterosexual 6=Homosexual Kinsey (%Homosexual) 2% of females 4% of males Recent NHSL survey (%Homosexual) 1.4% females 2.8% males

What causes sexual orientation? Hormones Chromosomes Brain differences Psychosocial factors

Why do we think hormones effect orientation? Animals given other-sex hormones prenatally Exhibit same-sex social and mating behavior Adult hormone levels do not differ

Why do we think chromosomes effect orientation? Identical twins If one identical twin is gay = higher probability other twin will be gay Identical Fraternal Adopted Strong evidence of a genetic component to sexual orientation

Are there brain differences between gay and straight? Simon LeVay LeVay is a gay neurosurgeon Believes homosexuality results from different brain structure Differences in hypothalamus Cause or effect?

What are the psychosocial factors? Parenting patterns Gays being seduced Fear of other sex Not a significant factor in cause

Do you remember? What is Kinsey’s continuum? Why do we think hormones effect orientation? Why do we think chromosomes (genetics) effect orientation? Are there brain differences? What are the psychosocial factors?

Are there definitive conclusions on origin of homosexuality? No – There are no definitive conclusions.

Is the psychological adjustment of gays different than straights? When comparing non-patient heterosexual and homosexual individuals: No significant differences

Is homosexuality a mentally illness? The American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders in 1973. Therefore, no, it is not

What is the objective of counseling and therapy for homosexuals? Helping homosexuals live satisfying lives in a straight society Not trying to change them to heterosexual

Do gay conversion programs help? Success of conversion is questionable Even “successes” have homosexual feelings, become depressed, and have low self-esteem as a result of self-hatred.

Do you remember? Are there definitive conclusions on the causes of homosexuality? Is homosexuality a mental illness? What is the objective of counseling & therapy for homosexuals? Do gay conversion programs help?

Do children of gay and lesbian parents become homosexual? No, they are likely to grow up heterosexual

Love relationships Talking about intimate feelings Most important for both heterosexuals and homosexuals Heterosexual couples were more likely to adhere more closely to traditional gender role expectations that homosexual couples.

How do gay and lesbian relationships differ? Lesbians are more likely to have monogamous relationships Gay men are more likely to have had more sexual partners Gay men with primary partners are more likely to have sex with others than are lesbians with partners.

Do you remember? Do children of gay and lesbian parents become homosexual? What is the best way to build intimate feelings? Are straight or gay couples more likely to follow traditional gender roles? How do gay and lesbian relationships differ?