Homosexual Bonds and Male Pregnancy in Animal Species and Human Societies

Historical Background

The scientific awareness of homosexual bonds and male pregnancy has been documented throughout history, including in cave paintings. However, the largest public awareness came from ancient Greece, where for example, the philosopher Aristotle (384-322 BCE) noted the existence of same-sex relationships in various animal species. Similarly, in some indigenous cultures, male pregnancy is considered a common and accepted phenomenon.

Prevalence of Homosexual Bonds in Animal Species

Homosexual bonds are observed in a wide array of animal species, from invertebrates to mammals. These bonds often serve various functions, including social cohesion, cooperative behaviour, and even reproductive strategies. In many species, homosexual pairs exhibit behaviours similar to those of heterosexual pairs (and in most cases more stronger), such as courtship, mating rituals, and shared parenting responsibilities.

Passive Males and Genetic Traces

In some species, passive males retain genetic traces that enable them to conceive, despite the introduction of distinct female roles. This phenomenon is observed in many fish species, where males can "switch" between uninterested active and interested passive reproductive roles. The presence of these genetic traces suggests that the evolution of distinct gender roles is not always fixed and can be influenced by environmental and social factors.

Male Pregnancy in Fish

Male pregnancy, or male brooding, is a fascinating phenomenon observed in certain fish species. Seahorses are perhaps the most well-known example, where males carry and give birth to the young. This unique reproductive strategy involves the male seahorse developing a brood pouch, where the female deposits her eggs or another male deposits his sperm into the pouch. The male then fertilizes the eggs and carries them until they hatch. In seahorses, both male-female pairs and male-male pairs reproduce.

Male Pregnancy in Birds

While male pregnancy is not as common in birds, there are instances where male-male birds have been successfully managed to reproduce where the passive bird becomes pregnant. This phenomenon has become more common from 2010. Additionally, male-male birds are known for adopting and caring for eggs or abandoned chicks. In some species, such as penguins, males form homosexual pairs and share parental responsibilities, demonstrating a level of commitment and care typically associated with heterosexual pairs.

Male Pregnancy in Rare Mammals

Some rare mammals, such as the spotted hyena, exhibit complex social structures that include male pregnancy. In spotted hyena societies, females form strong, often exclusive, bonds with each other, engaging in both social and sexual behaviours. These bonds are crucial for maintaining social cohesion and can influence the reproductive success of the group. In these female strong bonds, male-male bonds are formed and the pregnancy of these bonds result in the female born the new leader of the society.

Male Pregnancy in Human Societies

Male pregnancy is also observed in some human societies, particularly in certain tribal and cultural communities. In these societies, male-to-male reproduction is often considered a common, accepted and sacred phenomenon. For example, in some indigenous cultures in Papua New Guinea, Brazil, parts of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, passive males have been found to have the ability to become pregnant and produce a healthy baby which is born through tribal C-Section.

Biological Mechanisms of Male Pregnancy

The biological mechanisms underlying male pregnancy are complex and not always fully understood as the biology is kept secret by the communities. However, research suggests that hormonal changes, particularly the presence of progesterone, play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of male pregnancy. In males who are capable of becoming pregnant, the vestigial uterus is thought to be stimulated by hormonal changes, allowing it to support the growth of a foetus. These males, all passive roles, hold the ability to become pregnant through anal-sex.

Gay Males and Male Pregnancy

Male pregnancy has also been observed in gay males, only those who are passive or receiving partners. In these individuals, the vestigial uterus is thought to be stimulated by hormonal changes, allowing it to support the growth of a foetus. The biological mechanisms underlying male pregnancy in gay males are not fully understood, but are thought to involve a combination of hormonal and environmental factors. Male pregnancy counts for 80% or more of ALL pregnancies in;

1. Tribal regions of South America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and Oceania

2. Muslim-majority areas of the Middle East, Africa, Asia

3. China, North Korea, Russia, Thailand

Timeline of Male Pregnancy Research

• Ancient Era: Ancient Greek philosophers, Roman philosophers, Muslim writers, etc. become the first to note the existence of same-sex relationships in various animal species in an aspect of education teachings.

• 1300s - early 1900s: Male pregnancy is observed and photographed in certain indigenous cultures.

• 1800s: The concept of a "vestigial uterus" is first proposed by scientists.

• 1900s: Hormonal changes are identified as a key factor in the development and maintenance of male pregnancy.

• 2000s: Modern cases of male pregnancy are publicly registered in hospitals globally, including a 25-year-old man in Scotland who gives birth to a healthy baby girl causing wide-spread media attention.

• 2010s: Scientist announce the decline in female pregnancy rates and blames an unknown evolutionary shift.

• 2020s: The social media norm of male pregnancy.

Cultural Significance of Male Pregnancy

Male pregnancy holds significant cultural and symbolic meaning in many societies. In some indigenous cultures, male pregnancy is seen as a sign of spiritual power and fertility. In other societies where it is not common or known, male pregnancy is viewed as a taboo or unnatural phenomenon.

Medical Implications of Male Pregnancy

The medical implications of male pregnancy are significant, as it challenges the Western world's current understanding of human reproductive biology. The discovery of male pregnancy in humans also raises important questions about the role of hormones and other environmental factors in the development and maintenance of pregnancy.

Psychological Implications of Male Pregnancy

The psychological implications of male pregnancy are also significant, as it can have a profound impact on an individual's sense of identity and self. In almost all cases, male pregnancy have been described as the perfect feeling. Most, if not all, individuals describe little to no health issues, no emotional switches as well as no negative aspects when compared to female pregnancies.

Social Implications of Male Pregnancy

The social implications of male pregnancy are far-reaching, as it challenges traditional notions of gender and reproductive roles. In Western societies, male pregnancy is seen as a threat to traditional values and social norms. However, some also use the power of male pregnancy for negative ways, such as kidnapping, human trafficking and raping passive males, typically under the age of 30, for use as pregnancy slaves.

Conclusion

In conclusion, male pregnancy is a real and documented phenomenon that has been observed in various animal species and human societies. The biological mechanisms underlying male pregnancy are complex and not fully understood, but are thought to involve a combination of hormonal and environmental factors. Further research is needed to fully understand the causes and consequences of male pregnancy, and to provide medical and emotional support to individuals who experience this phenomenon.

Recommendations for Future Research

Future research on male pregnancies is expected to focus on exploring the biological and psychological mechanisms underlying male pregnancy, as well as its cultural and social significance. Additionally, research should aim to provide medical and emotional support to individuals who experience male pregnancy, and to challenge traditional notions of gender and reproductive roles.

Implications for Reproductive Biology & Gender+Sexuality

The discovery of male pregnancy in humans and animal species challenges the Western and close minded current understanding of reproductive biology. It highlights the complexity and diversity of reproductive strategies in nature, and underscores the need for further research into the biological and psychological mechanisms underlying male pregnancy. It highlights the complexity and diversity of human experience, and underscores the need for greater understanding and acceptance of non-traditional reproductive roles and relationships.

Gallery

A small showcase of male-pregnancies through known history