The Genetics of Sexual Orientation

In March of 2012, the blog 23andMe began surveying its customers for a study on the genetics of sexual orientation. Although this topic is very controversial, the researchers decided to attempt the study because it was highly requested by 23andMe customers and also because this area of genetics has not been well studied. The study consisted of a survey that asked people how they identified themselves: 5% said purely homosexual, 74% said purely heterosexual. The remainder either identified as mostly/somewhat homosexual, mostly/somewhat heterosexual, or bisexual. Each participant was then asked about their attitudes towards sexuality through a number of questions. A complete and detailed explanation of the study can be found here.

The research has not found a "gay gene" or any variation that can be associated with homosexuality. Even though some studies have shown that the Xq28 band on the X chromosome may be a possible candidate that is associated with homosexuality, the researchers could not find any link between the two. So far, more than 24,000 people have been surveyed, making it the largest genome-wide association study of sexual orientation ever; but the blog is still accepting surveys from customers. If you wish to partake in this study, you can get an account with 23andMe here. Then, click on the link in the article to get to the survey.

While the goal of this study is to be completely objective, the researchers are hoping that a larger sample size will help to clear up the role of suggestive genetic associations. I believe that this may be good news for the homosexual population because it would allow them to say that it is who they truly are and it is something that is not by choice. Unfortunately, I also believe that anti-homosexual groups will use this to say that a "cure" can be created for this "disease." Whatever the outcome is, it is interesting to see genetics may play a role in current social controversies.