Men get an X chromosome from their mother, and a Y from their father. Because the genes on a son's X chromosome are an extremely variable combination of the genes on the mother's two Xs, there are major differences between brothers' genetic structures. But similarities in Xq28s between those who are gay, scientists claim, is unlikely to be coincidental. Some suggest the X chromosome is also responsible for the smaller numbers of dykes. No, but they think they have isolated the genetic basis of male homosexuality.
Research is ongoing as to the existence of a lesbian gene.
The visit to Britain last week of Gay US science journalist Chandler Burr , who claims homosexuality is a genetic defect that may be 'cured' by antibiotics. Gay evolution in the New Scientist 19th. Letters responding to the article in the New Scientist , 28th. William Hoppitt suggests that kinship theory would account for a gay gene through altruism towards sisters rather than brothers. Alan Turland complains that the use in the article of a homophobic quotation from Robert Mugabe did not fairly represent general hostility to homosexuality.