by Lucky Sevin

Created on: February 22, 2007   Last Updated: January 19, 2009

Sexual identity in regards to sexual orientation is a very intimate and undiscussed aspect of human identity, yet it is one of the most important. Wikipedia describes sexual identity as an identity roughly based on sexual orientation, which is a general term describing one's sexual preference in partners. Homosexuality is a very difficult identity to wear and is a highly controversial subject. There have been many debates concerning the causes of homosexuality, and the "right" and "wrong" of being a homosexual, and whether it was choice, or nature that created this sexual preference.

Many scientists have looked into the possible biological and genetic causes determining one's sexual orientation. Some believe there is a "Gay Gene" that predisposes a child to become homosexual upon birth. This has been believed by many, but though there is some correlation between genes and sexual orientation it has recently been determined that this is much too simplistic an idea. However in 1990, a revolutionary experiment was conducted targeted on the anatomy of the mail brain. Post-mortem (after death) brain dissections provided some interesting information. This study was conducted by D.F. Swaab to investigate possible differences in the structure of a gay man's brain in comparison to that of a straight man. The same study was also conducted by Kay Larkin of the Oregon Health and Science University, as well as Karen Hooker, another highly regarded scientist. All studies showed the same results. Analysis of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland (the hypothalamus secretes hormones that affect every physiological function in the human body) showed staggering differences between the gay and straight male brains. A portion of the hypothalamus known as the suprachiasmatic nucleus whose primary function is to maintain control of the body's circadian rhythm was found to be twice as large in the brain of a homosexual man as in a heterosexual man. Because this organ provides hormones controlling so many functions in the human body, the increased size could cause significant changes in the levels of hormones secreted, in the circadian rhythm and in the human mind itself. These studies were able to provide reliable evidence that homosexuality may be attributed to biological differences in the brain. This new information shocked many people, as homosexuality had previously been viewed as a conscious decision.
Homosexuality has been present in society for centuries. Its level of acceptability

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