Is Being Gay in Your DNA? Scientists Keep Trying to Find a Genetic Basis for Sexual Orientation

Researchers have found the best evidence yet for genetic links to sexuality – with two genetic regions which appear to be linked to whether men are gay or straight.

The Northshore University study analysed the DNA of 2,000 men – 1,077 homosexual and 1,231 heterosexual, of mainly European ancestry,

The researchers noticed differences in DNA for gay and straight men around two genes, SLITRK5 and SLITRK6, the Telegraph reports.

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SLITRK6 is an important gene for brain development, and active in an area of the brain including the hypothalamus – crucial for producing hormones which control sex drive.

Alan Sanders from NorthShore University HealthSystem in Evanston, Illinois says, ‘Because sexuality is an essential part of human life – for individuals and society – it is important to understand the development and expression of human sexual orientation.

‘The goal of this study was to search for genetic underpinnings of male sexual orientation, and thus ultimately increase our knowledge of biological mechanisms underlying sexual orientation.’