Sexual Orientation

Kinsey’s Continuum Seven point scale –0=Heterosexual –6=Homosexual Kinsey (%Homosexual) –2% of females –4% of males Recent NHSL survey –(%Homosexual) –1.4% females –2.8% males

Causes (Summary) Hormones Chromosomes Brain differences Psychosocial factors

Hormones Animals given other-sex hormones prenatally –Exhibit same-sex social and mating behavior Adult hormone levels do not differ

Chromosomes Identical twins –If one identical twin is gay = higher probability other twin will be gay –Identical –Fraternal –Adopted Strong evidence of a genetic component to sexual orientation

Brain differences Simon LeVay –LeVay is a gay neurosurgeon –Believes homosexuality results from different brain structure Differences in hypothalamus –Cause or effect?

Psychosocial factors Parenting patterns Gays being seduced Fear of other sex Not a significant factor in cause

No definitive conclusions on origin of homosexuality.

Psychological adjustment When comparing non-patient heterosexual and homosexual individuals: –No significant differences

Homosexuality and mental health The American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders in 1973.

Counseling & Therapy Focus on –Helping homosexuals live satisfying lives in a straight society

Gay conversion programs Success of conversion is questionable Even “successes” have homosexual feelings, become depressed, and have low self-esteem as a result of self- hatred.

Comparing gay and lesbian relationships Lesbians are more likely to have monogamous relationships Gay men are more likely to have had more sexual partners

Children of gay and lesbian parents Are likely to grow up heterosexual

Love relationships Talking about intimate feelings –Most important for both heterosexuals and homosexuals Heterosexual couples were more likely to adhere more closely to traditional gender role expectations that homosexual couples. Lesbians are more likely to have monogamous relationships at all stages of their life.