Behaviors in Sex Could be Linked to Genetics: Taboo Edition

 Drain C. 

Genetics, Stockton University

https://www.glamour.com/story/are-kinks-hereditary 

Rumors have surfaced that sexual kinks are due to environment, trauma and genetics, but there are not nearly enough studies on the topic because it is still a touchy or taboo subject. This is ultimately an extremely fascinating outlook on sex playing a role in genetics. People assume that when they hear "kinks are hereditary" they always take it to extremes by saying their kinks are a direct link to their parents' kinks. Not many people want to think about what kind of kinky sex their parents are having that could result in a heritable kink.  People want to automatically assume that because they like a specific kink, that it directly comes from their parents and that they enjoy that kink too, but that is not necessarily the case. It is more so the physical traits that are inherited that may play a role in liking specific kinks. For example: nipple sensitivity and pain tolerance levels are both a genetic factor that are often incorporated into kink. Just because a specific physical trait is passed down from a parent, does not directly correlate to them utilizing that trait during sex. Personality traits are also related to sex and kink, for example those with outgoing personalities may be into participating in group sex, but as previously stated there needs to be more studies actually done. 

https://archive.is/20231005201102/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/29/opinion/genetics-sexual-orientation-study.html

In addition to kink not being too heavily studied in genetics, sexuality is another that is talked about but not fully studied. Sexual preference has also been argued or rumored to be affiliated with genetics. This one can be semi-traced back. Scientists do not want to delve too deeply into the genetic study of whether or not there is a "gay gene" because people may utilize bigotry when it comes to erasing or "correcting" said gene. There also may not be one direct gene, there could be multiple, in different locations, for different types. For example: women liking women may present different than men liking men, and habitual same sex flings may appear differently than occasional same sex flings. But like most things in science, there is a spectrum and no set binary when it comes to the complexities of sex. Because sex and gender are already complex binaries, of course everything affiliated with it will also be complex. There may not be a defined single answer on whether or not liking someone of the same sex is deemed genetic. 

Although both of these articles are opinion pieces, it is important to think about genetics and sex in a different light. If everything taboo stays taboo, there will never be any real studies done to further the advancements of knowledge. 

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.