Module C Is It A Choice?

One of the most common questions about sexual orientation is whether or not being gay is a choice. Are people really "born this way? Watch this video and think about why some many people still think that being gay is a choice.

Video

What Part Of Sexual Orientation Is A Choice?

For most heterosexuals, consciously thinking about and identifying a sexual orientation isn't necessary. Our society and culture is predominately focused on heterosexual relationships, behavior, and lifestyles. This makes sense since heterosexuality is, and will always be, the majority sexual orientation. But we need to remember that non-heterosexuals constitute a notable minority of people in both genders, all races, nationalities and ethnicities. If sexual orientation (sexual attraction) was a choice, the history and behavior of our society and culture would clearly condition people to "choose heterosexuality."

As you've already learned, science has already provided plenty of evidence that sexual orientation is not a matter of choice, but how someone responds to their attraction most definitely is. There are plenty of gay people who have made a conscious choice to live a "straight life." But because a gay person marries an opposite sex person, settles down in a house with a white picket fence, it doesn't make that person straight.

In law enforcement, we know there are many of our co-workers who are still hiding, choosing to live a "straight life" in order to fit in with co-workers and agency culture. Put yourself in their shoes for just a minute by considering this question. What if things were reversed and same-sex attraction was the norm. Assuming you are a heterosexual, how would it be for you to "choose" to live a homosexual life in order to be accepted by the majority?

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Knowledge Check:

Question 1

True or false? Who we are attracted to romantically and sexually is not a matter of choice.

Reveal the answer

Question 2

The sexual orientation of a man who is married to a woman is "straight." - True or false?

Reveal the answer