[poll] can sexual orientation change?

Can sexual orientation change?

  • Yes

  • No


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Hockeytiger

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This is a tough one. Overall, I'd say no, but with some caveats. First, we need to be discussing folks older than mid twenties. Earlier than that, many people are still discovering their sexuality, especially if they got a late start. Secondly, I'd be willing to give an exception for people from particularly repressive environments and such as they were probably never given the opportunity to explore that side of their sexuality. Lastly, as has been said earlier, we have to separate behavior from sexuality. For example, a repressed gay man who has only had sex with women is not straight, even if he doesn't understand that. (That being said, I am generally willing to take a person at their word unless I have lots of evidence that points in another direction.) Thus, that gay man who comes to accept his homosexuality later in life didn't change his sexuality, but rather came to terms with it.

Therefore, I'd say, as a general rule, people's sexualities don't seem to change, but seem to come to terms with it. But with every "rule" concerning human psychology (especially sexual psychology) we need to be willing to accept some exceptions. As was stated earlier, if sexuality can commonly change then we have a big problem. It leaves open the possibility that gay re-education camps could theoretically work. Secondly, the converse (or is it obverse?) could be true as well. Gay men could turn straight men gay. If so, then homophobia is not as irrational as we might think.
 

bigbull29

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WE need to let people define themselves in the moment - not what they once were.

Some people evolve greatly over time. So, yes, youf sexuality can evolve over time This notion that everyone's sexuality is fixed by 18-25 is absurd. For some, you never stop rediscovering yourself.

Why is sexuality different than our everyday food choices: some days I like chocolate; some days it gets downright boring.

So then it is imperative that we say that all gay people are born that way to win in the cultural wars. That again denies the "Let Live" mentality that all people are entitled to. We are all unique individuals, which most obviously include our sexuality. To say that sexuality if fixed for all people is deny reality all while showing a basic lack of understanding regarding human sexuality.

Yes, I do believe that many gay and lesbians are born that way - but a lot are not, either.

The taboo of male homosexuality keeps many bicurious and bisexual men in the closet. It keeps men imprisoned in their own minds. Never underestimate the power of a taboo in a given society.
 
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We know for a fact that sexual behaviour can change. People who were exclusively homosexual can become exclusively heterosexual over time, and vice versa. That suggests sexual orientation is not fixed but can be fluid.
 
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HiddenLacey

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I didn't answer the poll, honestly I don't know. I think people are who they are. Either you're attracted to someone or your not. People may deny those feelings of attraction, but does that mean a person was never attracted to the same or opposite sex?

Personally, I haven't to my knowledge ever wanted to be with a woman sexually. Everything about a man that is different from me is what attracts me to a man physically. However, I think I would have sex with a woman... if I wanted to, if I were attracted to her. Does that mean I'm bi??? Honestly, I really don't care. I don't feel the need to have a label, I'm just a person who's going to do whatever I want in the moment.
 

itscomplex

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I'd say preferences may vary but orientation is always the same. When I realised I was bi I also realised there were hints here and there in my pre-teenage year that I noticed boys in a 'different' manner than my other male friends. Then I thought I was gay, but met my first girlfriend. I loved her so much I rarely even thought about boys. Still can't say I was straight then. That's my viewpoint.
 

itscomplex

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I think with the changes in society's acceptance of different types of sexual orientation, the stigmas are now removed and people can think more openly about orientation. I think young people (and old, alike) are more open to trying things that would have be otherwise been "taboo" in earlier days. With that experimentation, they discover new likes and desires and changes
True, but not worldwide. There's a long way to go where I live. If I were outed I'd be thought of as 'less of a man/ unmanly' and may even suffer physical assaults. I don't see that changing here soon.
 

titan1968

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I could not have said it any better. I also believe that identity and behaviour are separate concepts. In my opinion, if external factors (e.g. experiences, social attitudes and the environment) are stronger than innate factors (e.g. biology, genes), then identity and behaviour can change.

I voted "yes" but it's not as simple as all that.

I think "who you are" is separate from "what you choose to do."

You can choose to do or not do things that straight/gay/bi/poly/asexual/celibate people do.


Who you are can also change, but isn't usually a choice, instead resulting from life experiences, and is rare.

Just my 0.02 USD.
 

Brodie888

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I think most people are a shade of bisexual but in a world so keen for binary labels people just go with the side they feel like expressing at the time.
 

SillyGayBoy

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By that, what do you mean?

It means it evolves. It doesn't stay the same. In fact I was convinced I liked girls for a long time, but that fizzled away. These things change. Bigger ways then that too.
 

Brodie888

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You're saying that there are some people who are bisexual but are pressured to "be gay"?
No. I am saying someone who is say 80% gay 20% straight when asked will probably say they are gay rather than bisexual. Especially if they are currently in a gay relationship. This is even more true the other way around considering the gay label stigma in men.
 

blakebrent

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my sexual orientation is straight. I have only loved and been in love with females. just because I have jacked and/or enjoyed a blow job with a buddy has nothing to do with anything.