Over the years, they’ve documented surprising behaviors such as territorial raids and lethal aggression. Within the protected reserve of Otoch Ma’ax Yetel Kooh, Mexico, primatologists have been continuously collecting data for over 20 years on two social groups of Geoffroy’s spider monkeys ( Ateles geoffroyi). Recent observations of homosexual behavior in male spider monkeys adds to our knowledge of these behaviors and may help us answer questions about the evolutionary functions homosexual behaviors may play, as well as allow us to consider if other animals have sexual orientations similar to the identities that humans construct. However, it also occurs in other species, such as Japanese macaques and capuchin monkeys. Among the primate order, homosexual behavior is most frequently observed in bonobos. In addition to well-known examples such as in mammals and birds, homosexual behaviors occur in reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates.
Those that voice opposition to acceptance of homosexuality on religious grounds often consider homosexuality to be “unnatural.” However, homosexual behavior is widespread across the animal kingdom. Over the past few decades, American society has increased its tolerance and acceptance of differing sexualities.
