Biology of Homosexuality

In this fascinating book, Jacques Balthazart presents a simple description of the biological mechanisms that are involved in the determination of sexual orientation in animals and also presumably in humans. Using scientific studies published over the last few decades, he argues that sexual orientation, both homosexual and heterosexual, is under the control of embryonic endocrine and genetic phenomena in which there is little room for individual choice. The authorbegins with animal studies of the hormonal and neural mechanisms that control the so-called instinctive behaviors and analyzes how this animal work may potentially apply to humans. The book does not focus exclusively on homosexuality, however. Instead, the book acts as a broader guide to the biologicalbasis of sexual orientation, and also discusses important gender differences that may influence sexual orientation. While firmly grounded in the scientific literature, this text is developed for a broader audience and will be of interest to psychologists, researchers, students, and anyone interested in the biological factors that determine our sexuality.

"In The Biology of Homosexuality Jacques Balthazart makes a detached scientific argument that biology can explain why some people are gay and others are not. Among books that make this argument, Balthazart's is distinct for its focus on laboratory studies of animal sexuality." -- Peter Hegarty, PsycCRITIQUES"The Biology of Homosexuality is not only the most current; it also makes the strongest, the most detailed, and the most balanced argument in favor of the biological case. There is enough background material and it is clearly written so that biologically-oriented readers who have been following the debate will be hugely rewarded for their attention." -- The Gay & Lesbian Review

Jacques Balthazart is Associate Professor of Neuroendocrinology in GIGA Neurosciences at University of Liège in Belgium. He is former President of the Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology and is co-editor of the Oxford series on Behavioral Neuroendocrinology.