Homosexuality and Genetics

A gay gene which causes homosexuality has not been identified. Homosexuality is not "hard-wired" or inevitable in anybody.

The American Psychological Association says: "Many scientists share the view that sexual orientation is shaped for most people at an early age through complex interactions of biological, psychological and social factors." [1]

Work of the Human Genome Project

• Dr. Collins succinctly reviewed the research on homosexuality and offers the following: "An area of particularly strong public interest is the genetic basis of homosexuality. Evidence from twin studies does in fact support the conclusion that heritable factors play a role in male homosexuality. However, the likelihood that the identical twin of a homosexual male will also be gay is about 20% (compared with 2-4 percent of males in the general population), indicating that sexual orientation is genetically influenced but not hardwired by DNA, and that whatever genes are involved represent predispositions, not predeterminations." [2]
• Regarding the contributions of genetics to areas such as homosexuality, Dr. Collins concluded, "Yes, we have all been dealt a particular set of cards, and the cards will eventually be revealed. But how we play the hand is up to us." [3]

External links

• "Homosexuality Is Not Hardwired," Concludes Dr. Francis S. Collins, Head Of The Human Genome Project
• Is there a "gay gene"? - explores how the media misrepresented the science