Sexual Orientation The Elusive Search for an Explanation

Sexual Orientation Sexual orientation—direction of a person's emotional and erotic attractions Heterosexual—sexual attraction for the opposite sex Homosexual—sexual attraction for the same sex Gay—typically used to describe male homosexuals Lesbian—typically used to describe female homosexuals Bisexual—sexual attraction for both sexes

Determination of Sexual Orientation Determining the number of people who are homosexual or heterosexual is problematic for two reasons. 1. Survey results vary depending on how the researchers define the terms homosexual, heterosexual, and bisexual 2. Gays and lesbians are not distributed evenly throughout the population An estimated 7 to 15 million American men and women are gay or lesbian

What Determines Sexual Orientation? Genetics— evidence from twin studies suggests that genetics play a role –52% of identical twins –22% of fraternal twins –11% of adoptive brothers Brain structure—differences found in tiny cluster of neurons in the hypothalamus of homosexual and heterosexual men – In homosexual men and heterosexual women, the cluster was only half the size as in heterosexual men – No way of knowing whether this difference is a cause of or is caused by homosexual behavior

Some General Findings Sexual orientation is an early-emerging ( as early as age six ), ingrained aspect of the self that probably does not change. See ABC News clip on Genetic Links to Being Gay.ABC News clip on Genetic Links to Being Gay No consistent relationship between orientation and childhood experiences (e.g., parenting, abuse, sexual experience). Link to having older brothers? See ABC News Clip. ABC News Clip Homosexuality is not due to unpleasant early heterosexual experiences Male and female homosexuals are less likely than heterosexuals to have followed the typical pattern of gender-specific behaviors in childhood

More General Findings Controversial findings suggest a possible relationship among prenatal stress, androgens, and the development of brain systems that play a role in sexual attraction Once sexual orientation is established, whether heterosexual or homosexual, it is highly resistant to change. It seems clear that no single factor determines whether people identify themselves as homosexual, heterosexual, or bisexual; psychological, biological, social, and cultural factors are undoubtedly involved in determining sexual orientation.

Psychological Research Concludes: Homosexuality NOT a Disorder Homosexuality is no longer considered a sexual disorder by clinical psychologists or psychiatrists Gays and lesbians can be found in every occupation and at every socioeconomic level in our society. Children who are raised by gay or lesbian parents are as well adjusted as children who are raised by heterosexual parents. They are no more likely to be gay or lesbian in adulthood. Homosexuality: Being Gay in the 21 st Century – A quick look at the 6 steps a person goes through to accepting their sexual identity (6 minute video) Homosexuality: Being Gay in the 21 st Century