Carving the Biodevelopment of Same-Sex Sexual Orientation at Its Joints

The Biodevelopment of Sexual Orientation: Beyond the Known Horizon

“…We agree with VanderLaan et al ( 2022 ) that our understanding of sexual orientation biodevelopment is primarily a consequence of this construct's current conceptualization and measurement. Although there have been attempts to measure sexual orientation by measuring sexual arousal or other reactions (such as pupil dilation) in response to different sexual stimuli (Chivers et al, 2007 ; Ciardha et al, 2018 ; Rieger & Savin-Williams, 2012 ), no reliable objective measure of sexual orientation that is easy to use in a laboratory setting has yet been developed, and researchers usually depend on self-report questionnaires.…”

“…It is often the case that more attempts at replicating a given result yield more inconsistent data. Indeed, as mentioned by VanderLaan et al ( 2022 ), further attempts to replicate these studies seem to support the role of testosterone for male but not female sexual orientation. Second, as pointed out by VanderLaan et al, it is also worth noting here that there is evidence to suggest that both higher and lower levels of androgen activity during development could be related to male androphilia.…”

“…This Commentary addresses the Target Article by VanderLaan et al ( 2022 ) on the biodevelopment of same-sex sexual orientation. First, we would like to acknowledge that their work comprehensively reviews the most up-to-date knowledge about human sexual orientation.…”

“…GxE studies could also shed some light on possible interactions between different biological mechanisms (i.e., genetic, hormonal, immunological) that contribute to differences in sexual orientation. In their article, VanderLaan et al ( 2022 ) mentioned that existing studies suggest the possibility that neurodevelopmental processes that shape sexual orientation can operate independently of one another. However, we disagree that this is plausible.…”

Fertility of Czech Gay and Straight Men, Women, and Their Relatives: Testing the Sexually Antagonistic Gene Hypothesis

“…Another possible explanation for our null results is the hypothesized existence of different biodevelopmental subgroups of male homosexuality (Swift-Gallant et al, 2019 ; VanderLaan et al, 2022 ). If this is the case, it would be conceivable that various subgroups of gay men (differing with respect to the biodevelopment of their homosexuality) evolved different ultimate mechanisms to compensate for the lowered reproduction rates (Raymond & Crochet, 2023 ).…”