The biological bases of homosexuality
Jacques Balthazart
GIGA Neurosciences, Université of Liège, Belgium

Résumé 
This seminar will present the results of biological research indicating that the effects of embryonic hormones, themselves under the partial control of genetic and possibly immunological factors, play a major role in determining sexual orientation (homo- versus heterosexuallity) in humans. We will first review animal studies formally demonstrating that many differences between males and females are the result of the action of testicular hormones during embryonic life. In a second stage, we will show that these same hormones are still present and active in the human species and determine morphological sex differences as well as behavioral differences between men and women. Finally, a third part will review clinical studies and various epidemiological studies which strongly suggest that these hormonal mechanisms also play an important role in determining human sexual orientation. This conclusion, which contrdicts other sociologial and psychological interpretations, indicates that being homosexual is not choice or inclination that could be avoided or treated in adultuhood. This should lead to wider acceptance of homosexuality in the population.

Références
BALTHAZART, J. (2021). On naît hétéro ou homosexuel, on ne choisit pas de l’être: Neurobiologie. Mardaga Bruxelles B. pp 363.

Invité par Neuroschool et Sarah Tarhini

Lundi 13 mai 2024, à 11h – Salle de conférence de l’Inmed