What would make someone think sexual preference is a choice?

Question

preference = orientation, same idea

Answer 1

Homosexuality is a taboo subject -- because it goes against what society considers to be 'normal', healthy and acceptable.

Even in this day and age, where minority groups receive more support than they once did and they now have some rights that protect them as individuals, those who do not accept homosexuality have more rights and have more avenues and forums in which to drive home their message that it is 'sick, disgusting and deviant.'

Because those people have more avenues in which to spread this opinion, more people are exposed to it, more people believe it, and more people grow up thinking that being straight is the only way to live a 'normal life'.

And, really, it isn't hard to understand why they wouldn't believe that it is wrong, when they see, first hand, how anyone who goes against this so called 'normal' lifestyle is treated.

Why would anyone choose that? In many ways, it makes sense to be straight. It's easier. It's more accepted. No one in their right mind would choose to be a pariah of society.

As much as people like to believe that they make their own choices and have their own opinions about things, the truth is that society and the media dictate to us what we should and should not believe in, and they are very, very good at backing up these claims with evidence, and highlighting what happens to those who dare to be non-conformists.

Homosexuality has been described as everything, from a mental illness to a contagious disease and, sadly, it is not just one or two people who believe that. It is a lie that is spread as truth that is never challenged.

When something isn't challenged, and when there is no comfortable alternative to that belief, it is accepted and passed on as the only way. Thus, the cycle continues.

Christian Fundamentalists work as hard as they can to ensure that gay people are demoralized and persecuted enough to fit their stereotypes

Answer 2

Well, actually there is a difference.

A preference is a choice by definition.

What you mean to say is sexual orientation. Sexual orientation is NOT a choice at all. People are born that way. You cannot change which gender you are attracted to.

Answer 3

I try to avoid labels regarding preferences or choices because it is a way that those who are intolerant to control lifestyles. I refuse to do that. I don't have to take a stand on issues regarding personal choice or preferences, whether environmental or through birth. I look at people and their character, and only wonder if whether or not they are kind and giving human beings, on whether they have a capacity to love others. Too much stigma is placed on the gay society or on other groups with whom we feel different. We humans all have the same blood in our veins, we all hurt and feel pain, we have a right to our freedoms, we all have a right to be respected and honored and loved despite our uniqueness. Each individual deserves a chance to live a life free of condemnation for what and who they are or for their beliefs so long as the rights of others are not infringed upon. I love because that was what I was taught to do. I love you, and yes, that is my final answer.

Answer 4

I don't think everyone chooses although some do. For others, it's the result of psychological scarring and emotional trauma in developmental years. Some quotes from the experts...


Homosexuality is not purely genetic. Environmental factors play a role. There is not a single master gene that makes people gay. I don't think that we will ever be able to predict who will be gay.

Dr Dean Hamer


I didn't show that gay men are born that way. That is the most common mistake people make in interpreting my work. Nor did I locate a gay centre in the brain.

Homosexual researcher Simon Levay (who studied the hypothalamic differences between the brains of homosexuals and heterosexuals)


Research studies on homosexuality by Dr's Dean Hamer, Michael Bailey, Richard Dillard, Simon Levay. Laura Allen and Roger Gorski have failed to show proof of a gay gene. There is no scientific evidence that shows that homosexuality is genetic. The media has sensationalized and perpetuated the myth of a homosexual gene."

Dr. J. Satinover


No replicated scientific studies showing any specific biological aetiology for homosexuality.

The American Psychiatric Association (2000)


…genetic factors are insufficient explanation for the development of sexual orientation.

King, M and McDonald, E.


I know of no one in the field who argues that homosexuality can be explained without reference to environmental factors.

Sociologist Steven Goldberg


Homosexuality is 'not normal'. On the contrary it is a challenge to the norm. Nature exists whether academics like it or not. And in nature, procreation is the single, relentless rule. That is the norm. Our sexual bodies were designed for reproduction. No one is born gay. The idea is ridiculous. Homosexuality is an adaptation, not an inborn trait.

Camille Paglia, lesbian activist.

Answer 5

Have you never sat down to think about why or why not you like the opposite sex? I like women not because it is what i was taught but because i am sexually attracted to them. It seems to be hard wired in my brain somewhere. I have met several gay men and we have talked at length about it and it seems to me that the only people that really choose are the bisexuals. I don't really know for sure though because i am a heterosexual and have never had any sex-capades with another man, so, maybe i am not the best to answer this question.

Answer 6

An over-simplified concept of human behavior.

A concept as complex as human sexual preference will necessarily have many influences. Attempting to pin it down to a single cause is foolish in the extreme.

Answer 7

I think it is for some people but, not everyone! i will tell you why.....

have you ever heard of nurture over nature. I honestly believe some people are born homosexual or more with the tendency to be homosexual...... and other people prefer it.... why do you think their are alot of bi people?

are they born bi?

you can't say everyone is born gay! that's like saying everyone with a foot fetish is born that way. Why are their gay straight men? why are their straight gay men?

Regardless of this argument i think anyones choice or love, should be respected!

Answer 8

I'm not sure. I've wondered this myself. There is a great special that 60 minutes did on the subject and you can watch it for free on the Internet. Personally, I do not think it's a choice. I've never once questioned my heterosexuality and I'm sure the same holds true for homosexuals. I can't fathom waking up one day and saying to myself, "I'm going try being gay today to see what it's like." LOL

Answer 9

I have no idea? Sexual preference is NOT a choice, do you think that every homosexual just loooooooves to be ridiculed?, loves the bigotry and hatefulful comments? Loves to hear that they will burn in hell etc? I don't think so!!!! I am from a family that is GENETICALLY!! heterosexual and homosexual, I have 2 bro's gay and a sister lesbian, I have to ask myself? did I choose to be heterosexual? No I didn't!!! as they didn't to be gay...

Answer 10

Because liking the same sex is different than really acting out on it.

Yes, you can be gay. But it is your choice that you act it out. It isn't your choice to have the feelings that you do, but it is your choice to have sex with the same sex. This is why people say that it is a choice.

Just like with heterosexuals. I can have feelings towards the opposite sex but it is my choice to not act out on those feelings.

But it is hard to be alone and we are social creatures. So I do not think that it is healthy to go through your life being alone. For this reason, I do not deem homosexuality as a real bad thing.