Search !

advertisement
advertisement

Why Are People Gay? Gay By Choice or Is Being Gay Genetic?

" NATASHA TRACY

print

Estimates as to the number of gay people in the population range from 1-in-20 to 1-in-10, so why are some people gay? Are they
gay by choice or is being gay genetic?

The simplest answer is to look at the definition of the word "gay." The term gay is a synonym for homosexual, which is defined as,1,2

"Of, pertaining to, or exhibiting sexual desire or behavior directed toward a person or persons of one's own sex."

In other words, 5-10% of people experience same-sex sexual attraction or behavior; of course, this doesn't speak to what makes
people gay. No one knows for certain why any individual is gay, but the current thought is that being gay is not a choice. (read: Cure
the Gay: Gay Conversion Therapy – Real or Hoax?) The reasons people are gay are both physiological and psychological.

Why Are People Gay? – Physiology

Modern science is working to show that genetics is one of the causes of being gay, although some science conflicts in this area.
According to Psychology Today,3

"In recent years, evidence has accumulated that a homosexual orientation is inherited. Study of family history reveals that
homosexual men have more homosexuals in their family tree than do heterosexuals."

The precise genes involved in the causes of being gay have not yet been identified but they appear to come from the mother.

×
Additionally, some studies have found that the brains from homosexuals differ from the brains of heterosexuals. The connections
in the amygdala and the corpus callosum have both been shown to be different depending on the sexual orientation of the
individual.4

Why Are People Gay? – Psycho-Social Reasons

Psychological reasons also appear to be part of why a person is gay. According to Avert.org, what makes people gay may include:5
:
 A female-dominated upbringing in a gay man's past, with an absence of a male role model
Adherence or deviance from conformity to gender roles
Family environment protection par reCAPTCHA
Individual experiences -
advertisement Con$dentialité - Conditions

An individual's sense of self

While psychological factors may increase the likelihood that someone is gay, no single factor is known to cause homosexuality.

Is Being Gay a Choice?

Considering whether people choose to be gay is complex. It very much appears that same-sex sexual attraction is not a choice but
acting on it is; so if you define gay as the mere presence of same-sex attraction, then from everything we understand, being gay is
not a choice.

If, on the other hand, you consider someone to be gay only if they act on their same-sex attraction then being gay can be
considered a choice depending on an individual's behavior.

But the real question is, does this really matter? If a person is an adult, is it anyone's business whom he or she is attracted to or has
sexual relations with? Whether science can ultimately prove the biology of being gay or not, it's important to support all adults in
their choices no matter how they identify.

article references

APA Reference
Tracy, N. (2022, January 4). Why Are People Gay? Gay By Choice or Is Being Gay Genetic?, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2022, November 26
from https://www.healthyplace.com/gender/gay/why-are-people-gay-gay-by-choice-or-is-being-gay-genetic

Last Updated: January 13, 2022

Medically reviewed by Harry Croft, MD

Related Articles
:
 Why Are People Gay? Gay By Choice or Is Being Gay Genetic?

Am I Gay Test or Quiz: Really?

:
 Gay Suicide

Gay Mental Health: Mental Health Issues Facing Gay Men

More Info

Articles on Gay

Domestic Violence in Lesbian Relationships - Myths, Facts

Top Myths About Bisexuality

Frequently Asked Questions from Non-Intersexed People

Articles Table of Contents

Facing Gay Discrimination, Stigma Day After Day

Dreams

Follow Us
:
Follow Us

# $ % & '
advertisement

Popular Articles

Depression Quotes & Sayings That Capture Life with Depression

Quotes and Sayings About Depression
Depression quotes and sayings about depression can provide insight into what it's like living with depression as well as inspiration
and a feeling of "someone gets it…

Women's Top 10 Sexual Fantasies

sexual fantasies
Every woman on earth has fantasized about some explicit sexual fantasy that she may or may not have been too ashamed to talk
about. Whether it's your girlfriend or your wife, this top ten…

Is My Husband Gay? Signs of a Gay Husband

Sometimes a woman may have been in a heterosexual relationship for years and yet feel something is somehow "off;" and she may
find herself asking, "Is my husband gay?" Many women find this question…

Positive Inspirational Quotes for People with Depression

Positive inspirational quotes are good for people with depression to have on-hand. Depression can make life so gray that you
aren’t sure where the sunshine is hiding or if it will return.…

Rape Victim Stories: Real Stories of Being Raped

Rape victim stories can be very difficult to read, frightening and emotionally draining for some but stories of rape show other
victims that they are not alone in their struggles. Rape stories…

How Do I Know If I Am Gay? Signs You Are Gay

Particularly when young, some people may ask, "How do I know if I am gay?" if they have conflicting sexual feelings. When it comes
down to it, there is no reliable "Am I Gay test", so the only way…

Mental Health Newsletter

Email*

First Name*

Last Name*

Submit
:
 advertisement

Back To Top
:
Health On the Net Foundation

This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy

health information: verify here.

Mental Health Awards

( 2022 HealthyPlace Inc. All Rights Reserved. Site last updated November 26, 2022
: