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Cohort difference in sexual orientation: results from a large age-stratified population sample
A F Jorm1, K B G Dear, B Rodgers
1Centre for Mental Health Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia. Anthony.Jorm@anu.edu.au
Background:
There is some community survey evidence for a cohort difference in female sexual orientation.
Objective:
To determine whether there is a cohort difference in sexual orientation in Australia.
Methods:
A community survey was carried out with a sample of 7,447 adults from the age groups 20-24, 40-44 and 60-64 years. As part of this survey respondents were asked a question on sexual orientation which was answered privately.
Results:
A strong age cohort difference was found for women, with younger women more frequently reporting a homosexual or bisexual orientation. By contrast, no age cohort difference was found for men.
Conclusion:
These findings suggest that a heterosexual orientation may have become less common in younger cohorts of Australian women. This finding is consistent with data from other recent studies.