Portal:Human sexuality

Homosexuality (from Ancient Greek ὁμός 'same' and Latin sexus 'sex') is romantic attraction, sexual attraction or sexual behavior between members of the same sex or gender. As a sexual orientation, homosexuality is "an enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attractions" primarily or exclusively to people of the same sex. It "also refers to a person's sense of identity based on those attractions, related behaviors, and membership in a community of others who share those attractions."

Along with bisexuality and heterosexuality, homosexuality is one of the three main categories of sexual orientation within the heterosexual–homosexual continuum. There is no consensus among scientists about why a person develops a particular sexual orientation; however, biologically-based theories for the cause of sexual orientation are favored by experts, which point to genetic factors, the early uterine environment, or both in combination. There is no substantive evidence which suggests parenting or early childhood experiences play a role when it comes to sexual orientation; when it comes to same-sex sexual behavior, shared or familial environment plays no role for men and minor role for women. While some hold the view that homosexual activity is unnatural, research has shown that homosexuality is an example of a normal and natural variation in human sexuality and is not in and of itself a source of negative psychological effects. Most people experience little or no sense of choice about their sexual orientation. There is insufficient evidence to support the use of psychological interventions to change sexual orientation. (Full article...)

 • ... that because of an effort to curb the spread of STDs, prostitution in Germany has been legal since the 1920s? (German prostitute pictured)
 • ... that some people in the BDSM community are sexually aroused by being gagged? (ball gag pictured)
 • ... that a strap-on dildo (pictured) may be used by heterosexual couples for the sexual practice of pegging?
 • ... that the Exotic World Burlesque Museum is located on the site of an abandoned goat farm?
 • ... that the story of Sada Abe (pictured), a woman who cut off her dead lover's genitals and carried them around with her for days, is one of Japan's most notorious scandals?

2004-2005

24 November 2024 – LGBTQ rights in Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin signs a bill into law banning the adoption of Russian children by citizens of countries where gender transition is legal. The bill also outlaws material that promotes childlessness. (AP)

12 November 2024 – Anglican Communion sexual abuse cases

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the symbolic head of the Anglican Communion, resigns over his handling of barrister John Smyth's sex abuse scandal. (NPR) (AP)

11 November 2024 –

The International Criminal Court announces an investigation into prosecutor Karim Ahmad Khan over accusations of sexual misconduct previously reported by The Guardian in October. (BBC News) (The Guardian)

5 November 2024 –

Equatoguinean vice-president Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue warns that politicians caught having sex in their offices could face harsh consequences after a civil servant was caught having sex with multiple women while on the job. (BBC News)

For editor resources and to collaborate with other editors on improving Wikipedia's Human sexuality-related articles, see WikiProject Sexology and sexuality.