By Ingrid Hipkiss
People with traumatic childhoods are three times more likely to be gay or bisexual, according to a new study.
But critics say the Otago University research is flawed and could have a negative impact on perceptions about homosexuality.
According to the study, children who are subject to violence, sexual abuse or rape are more likely to be attracted to the same sex.
The more adversity, the more likely they are to be homosexual or bisexual.
The study’s author, Associate Professor Elisabeth Wells, says researchers “stumbled” on the link.
“That’s not why we looked at it,” she says.
“We were looking at childhood experiences and this is what we found.”
A total 13,000 people participated in the study.
Of those who reported traumatic events during childhood, 15 percent were gay or bisexual, compared with five percent who had a happy upbringing.
Linking adversity with sexual orientation is controversial and critics say it’s just plain wrong.
Tony Simpson of Wellington-based gay support group Rainbow Group says the findings could perpetuate the myth that sexual orientation is a lifestyle choice.
“The religious right have convinced themselves that it’s something that can be cured and they run these silly courses to try and cure people,” says Mr Simpson.
Ms Wells points out that, despite her findings, most people with traumatic backgrounds are heterosexual.
“It doesn’t mean that all those who say they’re homosexual or bisexual had these experiences, not at all.”
She says the study didn’t attempt to explain the link – that’s the subject of further research.
3 News