Evolutionary Perspectives on Male Androphilia in Humans

Abstract

Androphilia refers to predominant sexual attraction and arousal to adult males, whereas gynephilia refers to predominant sexual attraction and arousal to adult females. The manner in which male androphilia is expressed varies cross-culturally. Sex-gender congruent male androphiles occupy the gender role typical of their sex, behave in a relatively masculine manner, and identify as “men.” In contrast, transgendered male androphiles often behave in a highly effeminate manner and identify as neither “men” nor “women.” Both forms are characterized by many of the same biodemographic and developmental correlates, which indicates that they share a common etiological basis despite being superficially different in appearance. Evidence suggests that the ancestral form of male androphilia was likely the transgendered form. Male androphilia represents an evolutionary paradox because (1) it appears to have a genetic component, yet (2) it compromises reproduction, and (3) archaeological evidence indicates that male-male sexual behavior has persisted for millennia. Two hypotheses that purport to explain the evolution of male androphilia have garnered support: the Kin Selection Hypothesis and the Sexually Antagonistic Gene Hypothesis. Research has repeatedly furnished support for the Kin Selection Hypothesis in Samoa where transgendered male androphiles (fa’afafine) exhibit elevated avuncular tendencies compared to women and gynephilic men. Tests of the Sexually Antagonistic Gene Hypothesis have been conducted in diverse populations of transgendered and sex-gender congruent male androphiles. Overall, these tests indicate that the female kin of male androphiles produce more offspring than those of male gynephiles.