Peer-Reviewed Studies on the Origin of Sexual Orientation Since 1990
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Pros and Cons by Issue
Issue: Defining Sexuality
| Q: | What is the difference between sexual orientation and sexual preference? |
| Q: | How can sexual orientation be categorized? |
| Q: | How does the Kinsey Scale relate to sexual orientation? |
| Q: | What are the differences between transsexuality (sex change), intersexuality and transvestism (cross-dressing)? |
Issue: Determining Sexual Orientation
| Q: | What is the prevalence of people with same-sex attraction? |
| Q: | Is there an age by which people realize their sexual orientation? |
| Q: | Is same-sex attraction a passing phase some young people go through? |
Issue: Causes: Inborn (Nature)
| Q: | Is there a "gay" gene? |
| Q: | Do studies conducted on homosexuality in twins show a genetic basis of sexual orientation? |
| Q: | Can hormones affect sexual orientation? |
| Q: | Does the fraternal birth order effect demonstrate a biological basis to sexual orientation? |
| Q: | Are there physical differences in the brain structure of heterosexual and homosexual people? |
| Q: | Is there a connection between sexual orientation and handedness? |
| Q: | Is there a connection between sexual orientation and the ratio between second and fourth finger length? |
Issue: Causes: Psychological (Nurture)
| Q: | Is homosexuality a mental disorder? |
| Q: | Is homosexuality a developmental disorder? |
| Q: | Is gender nonconforming behavior in children indicative of adult homosexual orientation? |
| Q: | Can a child's relationship with his or her parents cause homosexuality? |
| Q: | Are children who are raised by gay parents more likely to be gay themselves? |
| Q: | Can childhood sexual abuse cause homosexuality? |
| Q: | Are proportionally more incidents of child sexual abuse perpetrated by gays and lesbians than by heterosexuals? |
Issue: Changing Sexual Orientation
| Q: | What are "ex-gays" and the "ex-gay" ministries? |
| Q: | Can sexual orientation be successfully changed? |
| Q: | What is "reparative" or "conversion" therapy? |
| Q: | Does conversion therapy help people change their sexual orientation? |
| Q: | Is therapy aimed at changing sexual orientation unethical? |
Issue: Religious Considerations
| Q: | Does Buddhism accept same-sex behavior? |
| Q: | Does Christianity accept same-sex behavior? |
| Q: | Does Hinduism accept same-sex behavior? |
| Q: | Does Islam accept same-sex behavior? |
| Q: | Does Judaism accept same-sex behavior? |
Issue: Homosexuality in Animals
| Q: | What are some examples of same-sex behavior in animals? |
| Q: | Is it relevant to look at the animal kingdom to determine if human same-sex behavior is "natural"? |
Issue: Discrimination
| Q: | Should federal law protect people from job discrimination based on their sexual orientation? |
| Q: | Should hate crime legislation include sexual orientation? |
Issue: Homophobia
| Q: | What causes homophobia? |
| Q: | Is homophobia a diagnosable psychological condition? |
Issue: Gay-Straight Alliances
| Q: | What are "gay-straight alliances" and should they be allowed in public schools? |