For centuries, LGBTQ individuals have faced discrimination worldwide, largely because non-heterosexual relationships have been labeled as unnatural by religious and governmental institutions. These relationships were often condemned for defying traditional family structures or engaging in non-reproductive sexual behavior.
However, scientific research continues to dismantle the notion that homosexuality is unnatural, proving it exists across a wide range of species—from bonobo monkeys to black swans and even fruit flies. A groundbreaking 2019 study documented homosexual behavior in over 1,500 animal species.
But new research suggests that this figure vastly underestimates the extent of same-sex activity in the animal kingdom.
Same-Sex Behavior in Nature Is More Common Than We Thought
A study published on June 20, 2024, in the journal PLOS ONE reveals that same-sex sexual behavior among animals is significantly more widespread than previously reported. The study highlights a major reason for this underestimation: researchers often fail to record or publish observations of such behaviors.
The study surveyed 65 scientists, 77% of whom reported witnessing same-sex sexual behavior in the species they study. However, only 48% collected data on these behaviors, and a mere 18% published their findings.
“Many respondents reported that their lack of recording data or publishing on SSSB [same-sex sexual behavior] was due to a perception that it was very rare,” explained Karyn Anderson, a PhD candidate in evolutionary anthropology at the University of Texas and the study’s lead author, in an interview with CNN. “When looked at on a broader scale, we found instead that it was very commonly observed by our survey participants.”
Anderson’s research confirms that homosexuality is both “widespread and natural in the animal kingdom.”
A Natural and Common Phenomenon
Josh Davis, author of A Little Gay Natural History, which explores the diversity of sexual behavior in the animal world, isn’t surprised by these findings.
“While it has only been officially recorded in around 1,500 species, this figure is likely a massive underestimate,” Davis told IFL Science. “It can be found in pretty much every branch of the evolutionary tree, from beetles and butterflies to turtles and squirrels. The idea that it’s limited to just a few hundred species out of the 2.13 million described to date is incredibly unlikely.”
Davis added, “There’s a growing suggestion that same-sex sexual behavior is normal and natural for nearly every species. It’s probably rarer to find a species that is exclusively heterosexual.”
Why Does Same-Sex Behavior Persist?
At first glance, same-sex behavior might appear to conflict with evolutionary principles, which prioritize reproduction through heterosexual relationships. However, researchers suggest that homosexuality may have evolved in humans because it offers social benefits. Individuals with some degree of same-sex attraction may experience improved social integration, mobility, and stronger bonds within their communities—all of which can enhance survival.
A Broader Understanding of Sexuality
This research reinforces the idea that neither humans nor animals are strictly heterosexual, and same-sex relationships are just as natural as opposite-sex ones. The findings align with a growing body of evidence that challenges outdated perceptions of sexuality.
As science continues to explore the complexities of sexual behavior, one thing is clear: the natural world is diverse, and as Lady Gaga famously said, we were all “Born This Way.”