Same-sex sexual behaviour presents a paradox: it’s influenced by genes, but how and why do these genes continue to be passed down the generations? One theory is they have reproductive benefits too.
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Articles on Gay genes
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Scientists don’t ask how some people evolved to be tall. In the same way, asking how homosexuality evolved is the wrong question. We need to ask how human sexuality evolved in all its forms.
Genetic apps claim to reveal fundamental insights about your health, well-being, and even intellect. But it’s not just spurious science - believing these traits are genetic can have harmful consequences.
The largest study of its kind - comparing the genetic sequences of almost half a million people - has revealed many different parts of our genetic code that seem to influence same-sex sexual behaviour.
Mate choice is one of the most highly selected traits in any animal. Just ask a fruitfly, which devotes a large share of its genes to choosing and attracting a mate.
The history of “cures” for homosexuality reveals how discredited conversion therapies for gay and transgender children can irreparably harm young minds.
Current conversion therapies can’t effectively switch someone’s sexual orientation. But there could be a time down the road when neuroscience can do what they can’t. Where does that leave gay rights?
The claim that homosexual men share a “gay gene” created a furore in the 1990s. But new research two decades on supports this claim – and adds another candidate gene. To an evolutionary geneticist, the…
Top contributors
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Jenny Graves is a Friend of The Conversation.Distinguished Professor of Genetics and Vice Chancellor's Fellow, La Trobe University
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Associate Professor, The University of Queensland
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Lecturer in Philosophy of Science, University of Sydney
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Professor, Macquarie University
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J.D. University of Michigan, University of Michigan
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Professor of Social Work, New York University
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Senior lecturer, University of Sydney
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Postdoctoral fellow, University of Sydney
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Associate Director, Yale-Hastings Program in Ethics and Health Policy, University of Oxford
