Genetics and Sexual Identity

Has science finally answered the question whether GLBT sexual identity is determined by genetics? That's what a first-blush reading of the following article would suggest. The problem is the study neither proves nor disproves the thesis. The supposition up to this point is a pre-natal testosterone bath makes a brain male:

Since the 1970s, scientists have believed that estrogen and testosterone were wholly responsible for sexually organizing the brain. Recent evidence, however, indicates that hormones cannot explain everything about the sexual differences between male and female brains.

What has been discovered here is the following:

Using two genetic testing methods, the researchers compared the production of genes in male and female brains in embryonic mice -- long before the animals developed sex organs.

They found 54 genes produced in different amounts in male and female mouse brains, prior to hormonal influence. Eighteen of the genes were produced at higher levels in the male brains; 36 were produced at higher levels in the female brains.

"We discovered that the male and female brains differed in many measurable ways, including anatomy and function." Vilain said.

For example, the two hemispheres of the brain appeared more symmetrical in females than in males. According to Vilain, the symmetry may improve communication between both sides of the brain, leading to enhanced verbal expressiveness in females.

"This anatomical difference may explain why women can sometimes articulate their feelings more easily than men," he said.

The scientists plan to conduct further studies to determine the specific role for each of the 54 genes they identified.

So, they proved the sexual identity of the brain is genetically and not epigenetically determined. Note the last sentence. This is critical. If the gene expression says one thing and the testosterone production says another, then you will prove the point that biological and psychological gender may differ. Hopefully, such effects will be part of the followup. But, for now, we still don't know.

Comments

[Mike]

i have been really feeling gay & i think it is about time i get some help

[Greg Lester]

Greg Lester

am 50 years old and have felt I had homosexual tendancies since early childhood, but have lived a mostly hetrosexual life. I am at a point in my life where I stand to loose a lot if i follow what I believe is my sexual orientation and know that there will be no going back to life as I know it. As I get older I am having a harder and harder time suppressing my feelings and would like know if there is any genetic testing available to tell me if it is "all in my head" or if it is real.

If you could please point in any direction where I might be able to find out i would would really appreciate it.

I have heard it is possible to determine sexual orientation through genetic testing, if so I would really be interested in pursuing that avenue.

Thank You for taking the time to read this

Greg Lester

[Rich]

Greg, you will note that I quoted an animal study. The scientists in the study above do not know what the 54 genes do (in mice, not humans). Thus, science is very far away from any kind of genetic test nor do they know if such a test is even possible. Anyone who is more up to speed on the literature they I am feel free to jump and correct me if I am misrepresenting the current state of the research.

[Mike A.]

A few small studies have found statistically significant differences in a couple of the organs of people who identify as gay/homosexual, but those studies were very preliminary and tentative. Nothing to test for.

As for genetics, I found this paper helpful in summarizing, in (almost) plain English, where the studies stand. If there is a gay gene, it has not been found yet.

Beyond current science, there is a problem: There is no one meaning of "homosexual." Different people are attracted to the same gender to a differing degree, and possibly/probably for different reasons.

What that means is, even though you are attracted to other men, you can still choose how to live your life, depending on how strong the attractions are and whether they drive you in healthy or unhealthy directions.

I'll use the example here of what a married man could do if he is attracted to other men.

Some same-sex-attracted men stay married and loyal to their wives. Some of those men are open with their wives about their struggle, some choose to keep it a secret. Some men find it helpful to talk out their attractions/temptations with a counselor or a group of other married, same-sex-attracted men who can help the man decide for himself what to do. Some of these men decide upon ways to manage their attractions so that their lives won't be disrupted.

This group called GAMMA, for example, helps married men who are attracted to other men. It helps them figure things out, whether they choose to stay married or not.

Here's another group of bisexual married men, each of whom is trying to figure out what will work best for them and their families.

Some same-sex-attracted men decide, either on their own or after talking out their concerns with their family, a counselor, or a group of men in the same situation, that they want to pursue their attraction to other men. If they decide they are going to do that, then obviously there might be ramifications for one's family and church. Speaking here as someone who is same-sex-attracted but who also values family, I don't think someone should make such a major decision quickly, or alone. And if they make this decision, then it's best to decide first where one plans to go next: A life relationship with another man? Singlehood? Dating? The same church or a different one?

Greg, while I often disagree with "ex-gays" and believe their programs are ineffective, I will borrow one bit of their advice here. Remember that, first and foremost, you are "Greg," not heterosexual or bisexual or homosexual. Just Greg. And whatever your attractions are, you are free to decide how best to manage them.