Sexual Orientation: Is It a Choice?

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Sexual Orientation: Is It a Choice?
From the moment people born, there are certain basic functions that will be with them throughout their lives. The abilities to eat, breathe, sleep, or to have the capacity to learn are a natural occurrence for most people. There are, however, traits that are specific to each individual. They are traits that set them apart from everyone else. The traits such as eye color, ones dominate hand, or susceptibility to a specific disease are a few traits that aren’t easily changed. However, there are some that are controversially questioned as to whether or not one is born with the trait or if it is a learned behavior. One of the biggest of these controversies is the question of whether sexual orientation is a choice or something that is beyond the individual’s influence. Although the evidence is commonly disregarded because of personal beliefs or opinions, sexual orientation is not a choice.
To begin with, sexual orientation can be determined by more than one factor and is not the same for everybody. According to the American Psychological Association:
”There are numerous theories about the origins of a person's sexual orientation…orientation is most likely the result of a complex interaction of environmental, cognitive and biological factor …there are probably many reasons for a person's sexual orientation and the reasons may be different for different people.” (“Sexual Orientation & Homosexuality”)
Genetics, biology, and upbringing are all key aspects in determining one’s sexual orientation. Many of the factors are combined to make up how a person feels or who he or she is attracted to. There is no definite answer to why someone has a particular orientation, but there are studies that sugge...

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Rahman, Qazi. PubMed Central. N.p., 26 July 2005. Web. 26 Feb. 2014. .
"Scans See 'Gay Brain Differences'" BBC News. N.p., 16 June 2008. Web. 25 Feb. 2014. .
"Sexual Orientation & Homosexuality." Http://www.apa.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2014. .
"Twin Studies and Homosexuality." World Policy Institute. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2014. .

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