Pubertal Onset and Anal Sex Role Among Gay Men

Developmental theories of sexual orientation largely center on sexual differentiation processes. One hypothesis is that low prenatal androgens are associated with same-sex attraction in men. Using indirect measures of androgens (e.g., height, weight, pubertal onset), this hypothesis has received mixed support, suggesting there may be subgroups of gay men who differ in their developmental biology. Here we assessed whether subgroups of gay men (n = 312) based on anal sex role (ASR) preference and behavior differ in pubertal onset, weight, height, and/or body hair compared with heterosexual men (n = 127). Gay men with a top ASR had an earlier pubertal onset, were taller, and had more body hair compared with other gay men (bottom ASR, versatile ASR) and heterosexual men. Also, gay men with a bottom ASR were intermediate in their pubertal onset between gay men with a top ASR and heterosexual men, and they reported less body hair compared with these same groups. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that there are subgroups of gay men who differ in aspects of biological development that contribute to their sexual orientation. Furthermore, our results indicate earlier pubertal onset in gay men is associated with increased masculine somatic traits.