ABSTRACT
Several retrospective studies link boyhood cross-gender behavior with late adolescent and adult homosexual orientation. A larger study by Bell et al. of 575 homosexual and 284 heterosexual men found that the most significant correlate of adult homosexuality recalled from boyhood was "gender noncomformity," which was characterized by a preference for girls' rather than boys' activities and cross-dressing. J. Harry, who conducted an even larger study found that significantly more homosexual than heterosexual men recalled being called "sissy," being social loners, wanting to be girls, playing with girls, and cross-dressing. This association between boyhood nonerotic behaviors and adulthood erotic behaviors is also supported by cross-cultural research. Whitam studied homosexual and heterosexual men in Brazil and Guatemala as well as in the United States; homosexual men in the three cultures more often recalled an interest in toys typically preferred by girls, cross-dressing, a preference for girls' games and activities, and being regarded as a "sissy.".
