Researchers in
the Chicago area are launching a study of gay men and
their siblings to determine the role of genetics--as
well as masculinity and femininity--in sexual
orientation, GayHealth.com reports.
Scientists from
the Evanston Northwestern Healthcare Research Institute,
Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and the
University of Illinois at Chicago are studying gay men
who have at least one living gay brother. Both
brothers will provide blood samples for genetic analysis as
well as fill out questionnaires about their sexual
interests and experiences; memories of gender-related
behavior in childhood and adulthood; and a host of
other demographic and medical questions.
Researchers plan
to recruit study subjects at gay pride parades and
festivals in Chicago, Los Angeles, Toronto, Seattle, and
other major cities. Overseas study participants are
being recruited through the Molecular Genetic Study of
Sexual Orientation's Web site at www.gaybros.com.
The research is
funded through the National Institutes of Health. The
study will include approximately 1,000 pairs of gay brothers
from the United States, Canada, and other
English-speaking countries. (The Advocate)