Abstract
Heterosexual and homosexual females were interviewed with regard to childhood cross-gender behavior in Brazil, Peru, the Philippines, and the United States. Nine items were used to examine childhood behavior differences between heterosexual and homosexual females. Six of these items (playing with boys' toys, playing with girls' toys, dressing up in men's clothes, dressing up in women's clothes, paying attention to women's fashions, and being considered a tomboy) revealed statistically significant differences between the heterosexual and homosexual females. These differences demonstrated significant cross-cultural consistency, despite cultural variations among the societies examined. Rejection of certain gender-typical activities and interests, as well as involvement in cross-gendered activities and interests, seem to be consistent precursors of adult sexual orientation regardless of the cultural context in which these behaviors emerge.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this article
We’re sorry, something doesn't seem to be working properly.
Please try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, please contact support so we can address the problem.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bell, A. P., Weinberg, M. S., and Hammersmith, S. K. (1981).Sexual Preference: Its Development in Men and Women Indiana University Press, Bloomington.
Blanchard, R., and Freund, K. (1983). Measuring masculine gender identity in females.J. Consult. Clin. Psychol. 51: 205–214.
Grahn, J. (1984).Another Mother Tongue Beacon Press, Boston.
Green, R. (1974).Sexual Identity Conflict in Children and Adults Basic Books, New York.
Green, R. (1987).The “Sissy Boy Syndrome” and the Development of Homosexulaity Yale University Press, New Haven.
Grellert, E. A., Newcomb, M. D., and Bentler, P. M. (1982). Childhood play activities of male and female homosexuals and heterosexuals.Arch. Sex. Behav. 11: 451–479.
Harry, J. (1982).Gay Children Grown Up: Gender Culture and Gender Deviance Praeger, New York.
Katz, J. (1976).Gay American History: Lesbians and Gay Men in the USA. Harper & Row, New York.
Katz, J. (1983).Gay/Lesbians Almanac: A New Documentary Harper & Row, New York.
Saghir, M. T., and Robins, E. (1973).Male and Female Homosexuality: A Comprehensive Investigation Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore.
Thompson, N. L., Jr., Schwartz, D. M., McCandless, B. R., and Edwards, D. (1973). Parent-child relationships and sexual identity in male and female homosexuals and heterosexuals.J. Consult. Clin. Psychol. 41: 120–127.
Whitam, F. L., and Mathy, R. M. (1986).Male Homosexuality in Four Societies: Brazil, Guatemala, Philippines, and the United States Praeger, New York.
Zucker, K. J. (1985). Cross-gender identified children. In Steiner, B. W. (ed.),Gender Dysphoria: Development, Research, Management Plenum Press, New York, pp. 75–174.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Whitam, F.L., Mathy, R.M. Childhood cross-gender behavior of homosexual females in Brazil, Peru, the Philippines, and the United States. Arch Sex Behav 20, 151–170 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01541941
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01541941