What proportion of heterosexuals is ex-homosexual?

Psychol Rep. 2002 Dec;91(3 Pt 2):1087-97. doi: 10.2466/pr0.2002.91.3f.1087.

Abstract

How many heterosexuals are 'ex-homosexuals'? In 1984, a random sample of Dallas adults indicated that 8 (2.7%) of 294 currently heterosexual men and 4 (1.0%) of 393 currently heterosexual women said that they were ex-homosexual. Of an urban sample from 5 additional cities, 0.5% of current heterosexuals reported that they had been homosexually 'married'. It thus appears that perhaps 1-2% of heterosexuals are ex-homosexuals. Proportionately more adults than teenagers and more men than women moved from homosexuality to heterosexuality. Of the 18 who changed, 12 became heterosexual and 6 bisexual, suggesting that perhaps two-thirds of those who abandon "being" homosexual 'become' heterosexual and a third 'become' bisexual. Because labeling oneself 'homosexual' is so mutable and value-laden, the term 'omnisexual' is suggested.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bisexuality / psychology
  • Bisexuality / statistics & numerical data
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical
  • Female
  • Gender Identity*
  • Heterosexuality / psychology
  • Heterosexuality / statistics & numerical data*
  • Homosexuality, Female / psychology
  • Homosexuality, Female / statistics & numerical data*
  • Homosexuality, Male / psychology
  • Homosexuality, Male / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Marriage / psychology
  • Marriage / statistics & numerical data
  • Sampling Studies
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Texas
  • Urban Population / statistics & numerical data