Is Homosexuality Hormonally Determined?

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Abstract
This paper suggests there is insufficient evidence to conclude that homosexuality has endocrine bases. The search for hormonal correlates occurs within a model that views homosexuality as a medical problem requiring biological explanations and a program of treatment or prevention. This search is heavily rooted in popular conception of gender-appropriate behavior, as well as in naïve concepts of the significance of hormonal changes. Two kinds of hormonal study are considered her. Researchers may either (a) investigate hormone levels in adult populations or (b) investigate hypotheses of behavioral determination by prenatal hormones. Much of the latter information derives for animal studies, commonly on the laboratory rat. This paper questions the validity of assumptions underlying these studies- assumptions about the behavior of the laboratory rat itself and, more importantly, abbot the legitimacy of this animal as a model of human behavior. It is suggested that, although such hypotheses are naïve, their current popularity arises for their potential role in “controlling” homosexuality.

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