This archive report was first published on 30 August 2019.
Published in the journal Science on August 30, 2019, a groundbreaking study has shed new light on the complex nature of same-sex attraction.
Researchers analyzed genome data from 477,522 participants in the United States and the United Kingdom, discovering that same-sex attraction is shaped by numerous genetic variants, rather than a single 'gay gene'.
"Same-sex sexual behavior is influenced by not one or a few genes but many," the researchers concluded. "Overlap with genetic influences on other traits provides insights into the underlying biology of same-sex sexual behavior, and analysis of different aspects of sexual preference underscore its complexity and call into question the validity of bipolar continuum measures such as the Kinsey scale."
The idea of a 'gay gene' originated in research by Dan Hamer in 1993, which found a connection between same-sex attraction and DNA markers on the X chromosome.
However, the study acknowledges that external factors, such as sociocultural influences, also play a significant role in shaping human sexuality.
Notably, the study found a correlation between same-sex attraction and a predisposition towards mental health issues, including depression and addiction.
According to Mental Health America, discrimination against LGBT persons has been associated with high rates of psychiatric disorders, substance abuse, and suicide.
Lead researcher Benjamin Neale emphasized the importance of responsible communication of the study's findings, stating, "I hope that the science can be used to educate people a little bit more about how natural and normal same-sex behavior is."
