Homosexuality Essay

What Is The Biological Basis of Homosexuality in Humans?

Homosexuality in humans is a topic garnering more attention by the day, and is consequently the subject of much academic research in both sociological and biological disciplines. In terms of biological studies, both correlation and causation are relevant to the discussion. Once a correlation between certain biological features and homosexuality has been established, the onus is on researchers to find causality between biology and sexuality, if one exists. In the last 2-3 decades, empirical findings in chromosome linkage and epigenetic studies indicate correlations between specific gene coding, and maternal genetic make-up. These correlational findings have then been combined to support the Early Fixation Hypothesis of sexual orientation.

Chromosome linkage studies seek to identify markers on specific genes within DNA that correspond to one or more specific physical or personality expressions. Studies in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s found that homosexual siblings were significantly more likely to display a marker (i.e. similar alleles) on the X chromosome at location Xq28 than is the normal 50% expected rate for fraternal siblings (Wilson & Rahman) (Hu S, Pattatucci AM, Patterson C, et al.). The latter study found the rate to be as high as 67%, which is statistically significant enough to strongly indicate correlation between this gene marker and homosexuality.

Further, epigenetic research – which studies changes in gene expression – has found links between homosexuality and variations in gene expression of maternal immune systems during prenatal development, and of pheromone-based sexual attraction. First, a study in the 1990’s found a significant correlation between having an older brother and being homosexual (Blanchard & Klassen). Further probes suggest that changes occur in maternal hormone and antibody production during onr pregnancy that affects the expression of some Y-chromosome-linked genes in later pregnancies (Bogaert & Skorska). Further, recent research suggests that homosexual men are aroused by a different odor than are heterosexual men (Savic, Berglund, & Lindström). Thus, the biological basis for homosexuality could rest in differing expression of the same genetic coding (i.e. the gene for pheromonal arousal), which is caused both by parental genetics and early environmental factors.

In summary, research into the biological basis for homosexuality is early in development, but statistically significant findings do support a few different umbrella hypotheses. Most likely, the basis for homosexuality is a spectrum, ranging from a primarily genetic basis (“nature”) to a primarily environmental basis (“nurture”). Based on chromosomal, twin, and epigenetic studies, it is statistically certain to say there are correlations between some genetic variations and homosexuality. However, correlation does not ensure causation, and the fields of anatomical, genetic, and sociological research have a long way to go before establishing a firm causation of homosexuality.

Works Cited

1. Blanchard, R. & Klassen, P. “H-Y antigen and homosexuality in men.” Journal of Theoretical Biology 185.3 (1997): 373-378. Web. 10 Aug. 2017.

2. Bogaert, A. F. & Skorska, M. “Sexual orientation, fraternal birth order, and the maternal immune hypothesis: a review.” Frontiers in neuroendocrinology 32.2 (2011): 247-254. Web. 10 Aug. 2017.

3. Hu, S., Pattatucci, A.M., & Patterson C., et al. “Linkage between sexual orientation and chromosome Xq28 in males but not in females.” Nature Genetics 11.3 (1995): 248-256. Web. 10 Aug. 2017.

4. Savic, I., Berglund, H., & Lindström, P. “Brain response to putative pheromones in homosexual men.” Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences 102.20  (2005):7356-7361. Web. 10 Aug. 2017.

5. Wilson, G. & Rahman, Q. Born Gay: The Psychology of Sex Orientaion. London: Peter Owen Publishers, 2005. Web. 10 Aug. 2017

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