The research on homosexuality has gone on for hundreds of years. Theology and philosophical explanations has been abandoned for genetics, sociology and psychology. However - an agreement has yet to be reached on the reason why about 4% of the population has a sexuality that is different from the majority. Anyway - here we are, and the question is: are we born, bred or do we simply choose to be this way?

WEB RESOURCES

• Born Gay Pro/con lists arguments on both sides of the born or bred debate.

• Wikipedia brings a resume on status of both the biological and psychological current theories.

• This article from Psychological Review discusses the development of gender conformity and sexual orientation on a psychological basis.

• The Times reports that the likelihood of homosexuality increases with each older male sibling you have.

• Time Magazine quotes research that suggest that homosexuality is hereditary on the mothers side. The Time article is contradicted at family.org

• The National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuals has several articles discrediting the “born this way” theories. In this article the psychological factors are stressed.

• Queer By Choice has a long list of links to articles debating the “Gay Gene” theories.

• The University of California has a long article on the development of the thinking about homosexuality that led to it being removed from the list of psychiatric illnesses in 1973. Another article on the same topic can be found on Answers.com.

• Yawningbread.com has an article summarizing a theory about homosexuality being caused by hormone levels in the womb, intriguingly this also shows up in finger lengths.

• The website of Richard Ramsay at the University of Calgary carries a lengthy list of resources on the born or bred-debate.

• The Guardian questions the theories of Glenn Wilsons book “born Gay”, the theory is summarized in The Times.

If you know about other interesting websites about this question, please give me a tip, and I’ll put the resource on this page.

INDICATIONS FROM THE INVESTIGATION

The debate over the origins of homosexuality, like other issues about the theme, seems to be clouded partly due to very strong differences of opinion. Human sexuality and emotions are complex, and it seems unlikely that one easy answer to this question will be found. There are indications that a hereditary factor, combined with sociopsychological elements leads to the phenomena. As there is registered homosexual behavior among other mammals as well, the hereditary element may possibly be the strongest factor.