Probing universal correlates of human same-sex sexual orientation: a study in Iran

Abstract

In this thesis, I investigated several biodemographic, psychological, and behavioural traits to address gaps in our knowledge on biopsychological development of male and female same-sex sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. This study was conducted in Iran and included Iranian adult males and females with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions. Presented data indicated that expressions of sex-atypical psychology and behaviour in childhood and adulthood were associated with varying degrees of same-sex sexual attraction and gender identity/expression in both males and females. Examination of the biodemographic variables showed that aspects of sibship composition were associated with male androphilia and female gynephilia. Also, presented data suggested that both male and female same-sex sexual attractions cluster within families. Overall, this thesis provided cross-cultural empirical evidence supporting that aspects of expression and development of male and female same-sex sexual orientation are universal.