Reply to technical comment on Jonason, P. K., & Luoto, S. (2021). The dark side of the rainbow: Homosexuals and bisexuals have higher Dark Triad traits than heterosexuals. Personality and Individual Differences, 181, 111040

We thank Sharpe and colleagues for the opportunity to discuss our article titled The dark side of the rainbow: Homosexuals and bisexuals have higher Dark Triad traits than heterosexuals in more detail. Here, we address the methodological concerns raised by Sharpe et al. and conclude by discussing our critics' suggestion that the findings on Dark Triad traits can reinforce negative stereotypes about nonheterosexual people. As scientists, we avoid moralizing on such topics, instead openly reporting the results of our research, even hypothesizing that elevated Dark Triad traits in nonheterosexual individuals might constitute an adaptive response or a predictive adaptive response to environmental harshness, whether such harshness may be experienced prenatally, in adolescence, or in adulthood. We further wish to reject and distance ourselves from any prejudiced views of homosexuality. The suggestion to avoid the term homosexuality is in itself prejudiced and in stark opposition to the liberation and empowerment of people with same-sex sexual attractions. We encourage other sex researchers to continue using the term homosexual as a purely descriptive scientific term which carries no moral implications, and the relevant communities and organizations to accept its continued use in science alongside other sexual orientation categories.

Automated summary

The authors address methodological concerns raised by critics and discuss the potential adaptive response of elevated Dark Triad traits in nonheterosexual individuals to environmental harshness. They reject prejudiced views of homosexuality and advocate for continuing to use the term homosexual as a purely descriptive scientific term.