What "Causes" Homosexuality/Bisexuality?

 

That is one of the most common questions asked by parents and family members, and often, by gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals at some point during their personal struggle and eventual acceptance of their homosexuality or bisexuality.  There have been many studies and much debate on this topic.  We do not claim to know "the" definitive answer.  In fact, for many of us, this question is no longer important as we have simply accepted the notion that it simply just is . . . as many other things are in this complex world.  However, we do recognize that many people still have a yearning to fully understand the origins of homosexuality and bisexuality.  Therefore, we will use this space to provide links to articles that attempt to shed light on this topic.  Take from them what you will, and recognize that no one person has the definitive answer . . . yet.

 

A couple of things you'll read in the following articles:

• Gay/lesbian/bisexual people report feeling "different" than their peers at very early ages -- they don't always have the vocabulary to voice these different feelings at those young ages, and many report that they knew discussing it might not be received well; therefore, most chose to remain silent about it for an extended period of time before telling anyone else.

• Characteristics and patterns of human sexuality are also duplicated and well-documented throughout the animal kingdom, thus lending additional evidence that sexuality in all its forms is simply part of nature.

• From the studies cited below, sexual orientation appears to be more static in men while more fluid in women.  This is not to say that all gay, lesbian, and bisexual people fit these descriptions, but it is a difference that has been documented in numerous studies.  Why the difference between some men and some women?  We don't yet know.

Origins of Homosexuality

 

Presented in descending order from 'most recent' to older articles: