In the field of genetics, many researchers wonder how genes for homosexuality are passed on if they cannot reproduce. One answer may lie in the South Pacific islands of Samoa. There, boys who show feminine behavioral tendencies are picked at an early age to become fa’afafine, which means “in the manner of a woman.” The fa’afafine take on the role of an uncle in Samoan culture, taking care of their siblings’ children. This leads researchers to suspect that the genes are passed indirectly through what is called kin selection, since all siblings share some of the same genes. More on fa’afafine: Sexuality across Cultures

More videos from this series: The Origins of Orientation

Recorded June 2011; Posted September 2011