Introduction
During the early stages of foetal development, differentiation of sexual organs begins. When a male foetus is developing, a cascading of genes, beginning with the sex determining gene (the SRY) on the Y-chromosome, causes the foetal gonads to develop; whereas female development depends on an absence of androgens (Bao & Swaab, 2011). Once the process of differentiation of sexual organs is complete, sexual differentiation of the developing brain commences by the permanent organising effects of sex hormones. During puberty, the brain circuits that were organised in the womb are activated by the release of sex hormones (Bao & Swaab, 2011). Human sexuality is an area of great interest for scientists, and a substantial amount of research …show more content…
Some research does not distinguish between homosexuality and transsexualism, choosing to view them as, and use the data as evidence of feminine and masculine traits in members of the (biologically) opposite sex. However, the behaviours and desires of homosexuals and transsexuals contrast greatly; transsexuals deeply desire to become a member of the opposite sex, and attempt to live the life of the desired sex through their cross-gendered behaviours, this is a foreign concept for homosexuals (Gooren, 2008). Santtila et.al (2008) reported on a male twin study that concluded genetic influences can be attributed to causation of a range of behavioural and psychological measures of sexual orientation in approximately 42-60 percent of cases. Interestingly, studies have shown that potential for homosexual response may be more prevalent than previously thought; reportedly 10 percent of men whom identify as heterosexual had sex with another man during the prior year, and of the men in the same study, more men engaging in homosexual behaviour actually self-identified as heterosexual (Santtila et al., 2008). The same study by Santtila et al. (2008) shows that comparatively, women were more likely to report changes in sexual orientation or behaviour
During the early stages of foetal development, differentiation of sexual organs begins. When a male foetus is developing, a cascading of genes, beginning with the sex determining gene (the SRY) on the Y-chromosome, causes the foetal gonads to develop; whereas female development depends on an absence of androgens (Bao & Swaab, 2011). Once the process of differentiation of sexual organs is complete, sexual differentiation of the developing brain commences by the permanent organising effects of sex hormones. During puberty, the brain circuits that were organised in the womb are activated by the release of sex hormones (Bao & Swaab, 2011). Human sexuality is an area of great interest for scientists, and a substantial amount of research …show more content…
Some research does not distinguish between homosexuality and transsexualism, choosing to view them as, and use the data as evidence of feminine and masculine traits in members of the (biologically) opposite sex. However, the behaviours and desires of homosexuals and transsexuals contrast greatly; transsexuals deeply desire to become a member of the opposite sex, and attempt to live the life of the desired sex through their cross-gendered behaviours, this is a foreign concept for homosexuals (Gooren, 2008). Santtila et.al (2008) reported on a male twin study that concluded genetic influences can be attributed to causation of a range of behavioural and psychological measures of sexual orientation in approximately 42-60 percent of cases. Interestingly, studies have shown that potential for homosexual response may be more prevalent than previously thought; reportedly 10 percent of men whom identify as heterosexual had sex with another man during the prior year, and of the men in the same study, more men engaging in homosexual behaviour actually self-identified as heterosexual (Santtila et al., 2008). The same study by Santtila et al. (2008) shows that comparatively, women were more likely to report changes in sexual orientation or behaviour