Tomboys more likely to become lesbians -- study

The research, carried out by researchers at the Queen Mary University of London, has found that genetics, along with hormones and upbringing, may play a part in the sexual orientation among women.

There are some well-established traits which differ between girls and boys. For example boys love action, getting involved in ‘rough and tumble' play more than girls.

Sexuality in lesbians is based on genes
Now, a team from Queen Mary University in London has found that children who differ from these expected traits become gay or lesbian in future.

In their study, the researchers found that children who later become gay or lesbian were more likely to differ from these expected traits, or gender conformity.

After the analysis, the researchers found that in 25 percent of the cases sexual orientation was influenced by genetics and in 31 percent of the cases by childhood gender nonconformity, reports the Daily Mail.

The team found that about 50 to 80 percent of gender non-conforming boys become gay and about one-third of non-conforming girls become lesbian, reports the Daily Mail.

Study details
Psychologists Drs. Andrea Burri and Qazi Rahman, who were a part of the study, said that genes are partially responsible for the sexual orientation of women.

Exposure to sex hormones in the womb could be one major factor, along with upbringing of the child.

In their study, the psychologists followed a group of 4,000 female twins, asking them about their sexual attractions, behavior and gender non-conformity.

Study findings
After the analysis, the researchers found that in 25 percent of the cases sexual orientation was influenced by genetics and in 31 percent of the cases by childhood gender nonconformity, reports the Daily Mail.

Dr. Rahman, “We found that there is a connection between these mental traits and how sexual orientation develops.

“One idea is that there is an association between these psychological traits and sexual orientation because they all develop under common biological drivers; like the development of brain regions under the influence of genes and sex hormones.

“We think environmental factors and genetics drive other mechanisms, like exposure to sex hormones in the womb, to shape differences in gender nonconformity and sexuality simultaneously.”

Societal stigma, victimization triggers mental health
According to the study results, non-conforming behavior came 'from within', and proved that mental health issues such as depression were due to negative reactions from others.

Dr. Rahman said that lesbians and gays who are “strongly gender nonconforming” experience more symptoms of anxiety and depression.

He added “Poor mental health in gay populations is partly due to societal stigma and victimisation.

“So gender nonconformity does not cause mental health problems, but it may trigger negative reactions from other people (like parents and peers) leading to mental health problems.’

The findings are published this week in 'PLoS One,' a peer-reviewed science journal.