Nature vs. Nurture
Scientists have yet to unlock the mysteries of sexual orientation, but significant research is underway. Learn about investigations into the biology of sexual orientation.
Dee
Who is Dee?
Hi! I’m here to help you explore a fundamental question: What determines sexual orientation — nature or nurture? Scientists have learned the answer begins with an understanding of the two core elements involved: biological sex (the parts we’re born with) and attraction (who we’re drawn to, romantically and physically). In this section, we’ll investigate what else scientists have learned about the roots of sexual orientation. Let’s dig in…
Scientists explore same-sex attraction
Can genetics help explain the origins of same-sex attraction? What other factors are at play? Learn about a variety of scientific approaches and why researchers believe same-sex attraction is a natural variation in evolution.
National Geographic explores the science of same-sex attraction
Twin studies reveal important clues to the biology of same-sex attraction.
“Diversity is nature’s secret weapon”
Same-sex attraction occurs throughout history in every culture and even in many animal species.
Birds of a feather
From a headline-grabbing couple at the Central Park Zoo to pairings around the world, the list of same-sex penguin couples goes on and on.
Controversies in science
Scientists face obstacles when it comes to researching the biology of sexual orientation.
Challenges to research
Learn about the challenges scientists face and why they are committed to their work.
Effects of social environments
Is it nature or nurture? These articles offer a peek into some of the research exploring the role of biology vs. society in shaping sexual identity.
Can society make people gay?
Scientists dispute social hypotheses.
A “near-perfect, quasi experiment”
A “near-perfect quasi-experiment” highlights the role of nature in shaping heterosexual attraction in men.
Denied access
Most Americans oppose book banning and other forms of censorship. So why are efforts to limit students' access to information on LGBTQ+ identities suddenly on the rise?
Conversion therapy
Explore what researchers are learning about the effects of conversion therapy.
Our genes
Learn more about the role of genetics in shaping same-sex attraction.
Genetics of Sexuality
Is there a "gay gene"? No. But genes do play a role in shaping sexual orientation. Learn about the findings from a massive study with nearly 1/2 million participants.
Band of brothers
Explore what scientists are learning from studying same-gender siblings and twins.
Nature meets nurture in the field of epigenetics
Learn about epigenetics and how it relates to research on sexual orientation.
Evolution partially explained
Learn about the research tracking how gay traits exist throughout family generations.
Hormones explored
Differences in hormone development have emerged as a key area of research on same-sex attraction for both men and women.
Fraternal birth order linked to same-sex attraction in men
Scientists have discovered that having older brothers increases the odds of a man being gay.
The role of hormones explored
Scientists believe that hormonal differences may influence sexual orientation.
Endocrine disorders linked to same-sex attraction in some women
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) causes an overproduction of masculinizing hormones.