The 'Gay Gene' Myth

The Primary: A new landmark study finds that many genes – not a single "gay gene" – along with social and environmental factors shape our sexuality.

• Who? What? Why?: Scientists have long debated the impact of genetics on our sexuality. In 1993, as Time notes, researchers concluded a person's sexuality could be traced back to a stretch of DNA on the X chromosome.

• The Baseline: The study was the "largest ever to analyze the genetics of same-sex sexual behavior," according to the New York Times.

• Go Deeper: The study was controversial because some worried its findings could lead to LGBTQ discrimination. "One concern is that evidence that genes influence same-sex behavior could cause anti-gay activists to call for gene editing or embryo selection, even if that would be technically impossible," wrote the New York Times.