Study finds genetic links to sexuality

The largest study of its kind found new evidence that genes contribute to same-sex sexual behavior, but it echoes research that says there are no specific genes that make people gay.

The research on DNA from nearly half a million U.S. and U.K. participants identified five genetic variants not previously linked with gay or lesbian sexuality. The variants were more common in people who reported ever having had a same-sex sexual partner. That includes people whose partners were exclusively of the same sex and those who mostly reported heterosexual behavior.

Most participants weren’t asked about sexual orientation, a drawback that the researchers noted.

The researchers said thousands more genetic variants likely are involved and interact with factors that aren’t inherited.

The study was published Thursday in the journal Science.