In his latest book, The Naked Man, British anthropologist Desmond Morris claims the reason some men are 'made gay' is that they retain infantile or juvenile characteristics into adulthood – a phenomenon known as neoteny.

According to his theory, gay men also tend to be more inventive and creative than heterosexuals because they are more likely to retain the mental agility and playfulness of childhood.

"Gays have in general made a disproportionately greater contribution to life than nongays," said Morris. "The creative gay has very much advanced Planet Earth. The playfulness of childhood is continued with certain people into adulthood. This is very much a positive. Adult playfulness means that certain people, often a fairly large proportion of them gay, are more inventive and curious than heterosexuals."

Morris' theory is being attacked by Steve Jones, professor of genetics at University College London: It's arts faculty science to say that gays are neotenous," he said. 'It's a stupid idea. Where is the real evidence?'

Jones also said: "What of somebody like Pablo Picasso who was a hugely creative man and yet was obviously decidedly heterosexual?" Many other creative individuals such as Vivienne Westwood and Mary Quant, the fashion designers, are also clearly heterosexual.

Gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, agrees that many gays are unusually creative, although he suggests they are also characterised by being closely in touch with their emotions.

He added: "I would also think that being gay is very much a mix of genetic factors and hormonal influence in the womb. I don't really know about this playfulness idea being carried from childhood to gay adulthood."

Last update: 12-10-2007 22:20