Now the University of Essex scientists behind the project are
looking for more identical twins – where one is gay or bisexual and the other
is straight – to take part in the research.
We often assume our upbringing is important in many ways, but the
research being carried out at Essex is looking at how this relates to identical
twins where one is straight and one is gay or bisexual.
Sexuality scientist Dr Gerulf Rieger, who is leading the study with
PhD student Tuesday Watts, said sexuality forms a huge part of who we are, yet
we know so little about where it comes from. The Essex study will be taking a
fresh approach to researching this area.
'Some research has already tried to understand how our sexual
orientation is linked to childhood experiences,' he said. 'However, these past
studies have heavily focused on negative experiences during childhood and
neglected the possibility that people may have had positive interactions with
parents, siblings or peers that have shaped their sexual attractions and
identities.
'By comparing these twins, we will have the ability to explore how
the social environment can have an impact on sexual orientation and well-being,
above and beyond our genes.'
The team at Essex are attempting to uncover what social experiences
during childhood make us become the people we are. The study will focus on
identical twins and the influences of upbringing on sexual orientation and
current life satisfaction.
Because these twins are virtually genetically
identical, any differences in their sexuality or well-being must be due to other
influences than their genes – influences that we do not yet understand.
The study is also looking to recruit identical twins where both are
gay or both are straig
It'll be interesting to see the result of their research.
ReplyDeletedefinitely will publish it here
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