Childhood Gender Dysphoria May Predict Adult Homosexuality

One of the major factors cited as a determinant of homosexuality in adults is the appearance of gender nonconformity in childhood. This argument was developed through a UCLA study conducted by psychiatrist Richard Green. This retrospective study follows 66 “feminine” boys who expressed dissatisfaction with their assigned sex, and explicit signs of gender­ dysphoria. Of the 44 boys Green was able to follow through young adulthood, 33 identified as homosexual or bisexual within adolescence and early adulthood.

In a similar Dutch study, researchers observed 41 young adults who had been diagnosed with gender dysphoria during their childhood. Some of these individuals remained gender-­dysphoric into adulthood ­ all of these individuals identifying as homosexual or bisexual. Of those who no longer expressed signs of gender­ dysphoria, about half of the boys identified as homosexual, while none of the girls identified as lesbian.

Indicated by these studies, marked femininity in boys may be a predictor of adult homosexuality. It is estimated that approximately 50­-80% of gender ­dysphoric male children develop sexual attraction to males later in life. The occurrence of gender dysphoria in male children is considered to be a major factor in the development of sexual attraction to those of the same sex. However, this tendency to attribute homosexuality to expressed feminine characteristics amongst male children is one of the major sources of conflict surrounding this subject. 

According to Dr. Simon LeVay, the objective of these studies is not to see if future sexual orientation is predictable, but rather to see if there is a significant association between childhood gender traits and adult sexual orientation. I this is an important distinction made by LeVay, as it negates the claim that childhood femininity determines sexual orientation. Rather,he makes the claim that there may be some association between gender dysphoria and homosexuality. I feel that there is some validity in this claim, as the data suggests that the majority of gender-­dysphoric children (50-­80%) identify as homosexual later in life.

Though this claim is supported by data, neither of the studies cited offered a significantly large group of subjects. This detracts validity from the argument, as small sample sizes can influence statistical significance of the data. In addition, these studies only observed children who were considered exceptionally gender dysphoric. This could potentially cause misconceptions about perceived femininity in male children leading to homosexuality. Though I find this argument thought provoking, I am not entirely convinced. I feel that the data is not entirely statistically significant, and that the implications of the study may lead to problematic misconceptions.

Another biological factor related to expression of gender typical and atypical characteristics is Testosterone. Many argue the exposure to prenatal hormones may influence the expression of certain gendered traits. The studies cited take specific interest in the influence of testosterone levels on aggressive behavior and interest in rough­ and­ tumble play. Many studies suggest that testosterone treatment in certain animal species may influence such behaviors. For example, the administration of higher doses of testosterone to female rhesus monkeys increases their participation in rough­ and ­tumble play. This suggests that the administration of testosterone may influence male ­typical behavior, even in female subjects.

Though such experimental treatments cannot be ethically performed on human subjects, researchers have turned to the observation of humans with hormonal deficiencies and excesses.

The text often refers to congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), which is essentially a genetic mutation that eradicates the enzymes involved in corticosteroid hormone production, resulting in the overproduction of androgen. Though this condition does not significantly influence male fetuses, it can cause significant physiological and hormonal changes in female fetuses. In severe instances, this can lead to the masculinization of female genitalia.

Various studies suggest that the unusually high androgen levels in female CAH patients may produce behavioral effects, such as increased aggression, greater targeting accuracy, and greater interest in rough ­and ­tumble play. Several investigations of these patients also suggest a decline in female gender­ typical characteristics, such as less interest in infant and the lack of desire for future motherhood. These investigations work to support LeVay’s argument that CAH and androgen/testosterone levels may significantly influence the development and expression of gender­typical behavior.