Male and female homosexuality: Natural history

The findings indicate that the homosexual orientation develops very early in life and that the prehomosexual child displays behavioral characteristics that are more typical of the opposite sex than of his own biologic sex.

Abstract

The aim of our study was to describe the natural history of the homosexual phenomenon through describing its development and characteristics from early childhood and into adult life. Our findings indicate that the homosexual orientation develops very early in life and that the prehomosexual child displays behavioral characteristics that are more typical of the opposite sex than of his own biologic sex. The homosexual male begins his sexual involvement in early adolescene, while the homosexual female starts her homosexual involvement several years later. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of neurotic disorders between homosexuals and heterosexuals. However, homosexual males and females had more depression, suicide attempts, and usually abused alcohol more often. Still, the majority of the homosexuals functioned adequately and were productive, with no significant disabilities.