The State of Current Science on the Biology of Sexual Orientation
Presenter: Lisa Diamond, PhD
Date: August 24, 2026 | 2:00 PM MST
Format: Live, interactive synchronous webinar | 1 hour
Content Level: Beginner
Target Audience: Clinical Mental Health Providers
CE Credits: 1 continuing education credit
Course Description
"Born that way" — it's a phrase that has shaped public discourse around sexual orientation for decades. But the scientific facts are a lot more complicated, and clinicians who rely on oversimplified explanations risk doing their clients a disservice. This one-hour live training offers a clear, accurate, and clinically empowering review of the current state of science on the biology of sexual orientation — equipping providers to give more honest, nuanced answers to clients who are curious about where their sexuality comes from.
Drawing from the most reliable genetic data now available — including a landmark 2019 study examining the genomes of over 450,000 individuals — Dr. Diamond will walk participants through the dramatic changes that have occurred in our understanding of biological influences on sexual orientation over the past several decades. The data show that same-gender sexuality is genetically influenced, but not genetically determined — a finding with profound implications for how clinicians discuss sexual orientation with clients. The training also examines why the "born that way" explanation is just as oversimplified as views that sexual orientation is a choice or a sin, and offers common-sense language for describing and interpreting these findings with clients who are questioning their sexuality or seeking to understand their own origins.
This training is grounded in the core social work values of dignity and worth, the importance of human relationships, and a commitment to evidence-informed, affirming practice — affirming that accurate, nuanced science is a powerful tool for reducing shame, challenging misconceptions, and supporting clients in making meaning of their own sexual identities.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this training, attendees will be able to:
Describe the most dominant theories of biological and social origins of sexual orientation that have emerged over the past several decades.
Explain the findings of the largest and most reliable genetic study of sexual orientation, published in 2019, including the distinction between genetic influence and genetic determination.
Apply these findings in clinical practice by identifying common-sense approaches for discussing the origins of sexual orientation with clients who are questioning their sexuality or seeking to understand how their identity developed.
Cultural Sensitivity
This training explicitly addresses the influence of culture, race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, and socioeconomic status on the topics discussed, recognizing that scientific narratives about the origins of sexual orientation carry different meanings across cultural, religious, and community contexts. Participants are invited to examine their own unconscious biases related to sexual orientation and identity, and to consider how implicit assumptions about what causes same-gender sexuality may affect clinical decision-making, assessment, and the therapeutic relationship. The training encourages clinicians to reflect on how cultural norms, religious messaging, and social determinants of health shape the way clients interpret and internalize information about their own sexuality. By offering a more accurate and nuanced scientific framework, the training supports culturally humble, affirming practice and promotes the use of inclusive, non-stigmatizing language when exploring questions of sexual identity and origin with clients across diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
Course Content
This training presents an accessible and clinically relevant review of the current science on biological influences on sexual orientation through engaging lecture and facilitated discussion led by Dr. Lisa Diamond, a leading researcher in human sexuality and gender identity. Drawing from current peer-reviewed literature — including the landmark 2019 genome-wide association study of over 450,000 individuals — the session walks participants through the evolution of scientific thinking on this topic in clear, common-sense language. Participants will explore what the most reliable genetic data actually show, how to differentiate between genetic influence and genetic determination, and why both the "born that way" narrative and the "choice or sin" framing fall short of the scientific evidence. Common misconceptions about genetic and environmental influences on complex human traits are addressed throughout, and interactive Q&A provides opportunities for participants to connect the material to their own clinical questions and client conversations.
Limitations, Risks, & Benefits
This online training provides a focused, introductory overview of the subject matter and is not intended to be comprehensive; clinicians seeking more advanced knowledge are encouraged to pursue additional training and engage with the primary literature. The scientific understanding of biological influences on sexual orientation continues to evolve, and the content reflects the state of the research at the time of this presentation. No significant risks are anticipated, though participants may have existing assumptions or worldviews challenged in the process of engaging with the material. Benefits include increased scientific literacy around the biology of sexual orientation, enhanced ability to discuss these findings accurately and accessibly with clients, and expanded frameworks for supporting clients navigating questions of sexual identity with greater nuance, confidence, and care.
About the Presenter
Lisa Diamond, PhD, is a professor of Psychology and Gender Studies at the University of Utah, where she has worked since 1999. Her research focuses on mental health among LGBTQ+ populations, sexual and gender identity across the life course, sexual and gender fluidity, and childhood and adolescent trauma exposure — including religious trauma — among LGBTQ+ individuals. Dr. Diamond collaborates frequently with clinicians and brings a research-informed perspective that emphasizes the critical role of social safety and unconditional belonging on the health of marginalized populations.
Course Details
Delivery method: Live interactive webinar via the Institute learning platform
Course interactivity: Interactive — participants will engage in facilitated discussion and Q&A
Posttest/quiz: Because this is a live interactive course, a standard posttest is not required. Participation will be monitored throughout the session.
Certificate issuance: Certificates of credit will be issued immediately after course completion to participants who attend the full session and complete the course evaluation.
Contact for questions: institute@thehealinggroup.com
Accessibility accommodations: To request accessibility accommodations, please contact institute@thehealinggroup.com prior to the event. We are committed to making our trainings accessible to all participants.
ASWB ACE Statement:
The Healing Group Institute, provider number 2716, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 3/31/26 – 3/31/27. Social workers completing this course receive 1 continuing education credit.