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Lauren Astor

Dr. Adrienne Cassel

English Composition II

14 November 2021

What Determines Sexual Orientation?

Sarah felt her heart racing. She felt nervous. What if they didn’t understand? Would they

be angry? Her palms felt sweaty as she paced around the room, waiting for her parents to come

home. She didn’t want them to believe there was anything wrong with her. She wanted them to

support her, to understand. She wasn’t sure how they would react, but Sarah thought it has been

long enough. She didn’t want to hide such a big part of who she was from them anymore. Sarah

wanted it out in the open and to relieve the weight on her chest. Once her parents got home, she

sat them both down for a discussion. She “came out” to them and told them she is only attracted

to other women. After a long pause, they spoke up about how confused they were. Sarah had

only expressed an interest in boys before. Sarah explained that she felt as though it was the

normal thing to do. Growing up, she was surrounded by heterosexual couples, and how it is the

societal norm. After growing older and maturing, she realized that she wasn’t attracted to men.

Both parents expressed how she must be confused. They would ask if she’s sure, or if this was a

phase. Sarah became upset and suddenly felt horrible. This wasn’t her choice; it was just part of

who she is. She became confused. She knew her sexual orientation was not a choice, but she

couldn’t help but wonder what caused her to turn out this way.

Every person has a preference or sexual orientation. Think about a sibling, friend, family

member, or a coworker. Every single person has a sexual orientation. A common misconception
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is that people think that our sexual preferences do not affect our daily lives. This is not true,

especially for those in the LGBT+ community. Many people often get told sexuality is a choice,

which has been a topic of debate for years. Fortunately, due to research, this has been found to be

untrue; sexuality is not a choice. We cannot choose whom we are attracted to, but we can choose

to act on those attractions. To understand sexual orientation, knowing the definition is useful.

Sexual orientation is a person’s attraction towards other people. This can include physical

attraction as well as emotional (The Development of Sexual Orientation 1). Our sexual

orientation affects who we make relationships with, marry, and/or start a family with. It’s not just

a characteristic, but it defines relationships, actions, and social interactions. Those who are

homosexual have other options such as adoption if they wish to start a family with their partner.

Our sexual orientation is a big part of our daily lives. So, what determines our sexual orientation?

Sexual orientation is determined through biological, environmental, and social factors, not by

choice.

Many people of non-heterosexual orientation have been discriminated against, especially

in the past. In fact, it is a recurring issue. Not everyone accepts those who are attracted to the

same sex. Homophobia is still around to this day, but it was worse in the past. Homosexuality

was heavily frowned upon. It was viewed as a sin that is unacceptable. In fact, homosexuality

was considered a mental illness. To correct, or cure the individual, many would resort to

conversion therapy. The belief that homosexuality is wrong is still around; however, it is no

longer considered an illness. The American Psychological Association (APA) recognized that

homosexuality was not an illness, but part of who people are. The association ended up removing

homosexuality from their list of mental illnesses. In the same article and paragraph, it states

homosexuality was a term used to describe criminals involved in sex crimes in the nineteenth
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century. Overall, homosexuality was not accepted in the past. In the United States,

homosexuality was only recently accepted. Many sexual orientations were and still are frowned

upon to this day.

As previously mentioned, many viewed homosexuality as a sin or illness that needed to

be cured. It was believed that conversion therapy would do exactly that. Conversion therapy has

been used in the United States as well as other countries. Another name used for conversion

therapy is reparative therapy. “Convert” is in the name, as it is used to attempt to convert an

individual to heterosexuality. (Sexual Orientation 10). Conversion therapy has been scientifically

proven ineffective and discredited; however, it’s still around today. Many different countries

around the world still use conversion therapy. It has led to a decrease in mental health due to the

extreme abuse patients had endured. Due to this abuse, victims who underwent conversion

therapy developed depression, which lead to self-harm and suicide. is an unethical method of

attempting to change a person’s sexual orientation. While it is an unpopular, controversial

practice today, many people are still forced into conversion therapy. Overall, gay rights in the

United States have only recently been addressed, allowing gay marriage to be legalized. “Laws

restricting homosexual acts persisted in some US jurisdictions until the early years of the twenty-

first century, and many countries still treat homosexuality as a criminal offense” (Sexual

Orientation 9). Unfortunately, many places around the world still view homosexuality as a

negative thing. Gay marriage was not legalized until June 26, 2015 in the United States, which

was only six years ago.

Sexuality is described as a spectrum. Labels such as homosexual, bisexual, heterosexual,

asexual, etc. can be used, while others may prefer not to have a label. People are free to

experiment with their sexuality. It is important for individuals to realize they do not need to
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identify as one thing or another. The great thing about sexuality is that people are free to

experiment and discover what and who they are attracted to. Labels do not have to be used to

describe a person’s sexuality, as everyone is different. Someone can be physically attracted to a

female, but emotionally attracted to a male, and vice versa. Attractions towards different genders

may or may not be acted upon. Someone who is bisexual would be open to being with both

males and females. If this person likes someone of the opposite sex, it does not mean they are

heterosexual. They still are attracted to the same sex as well. It is up to everyone individually

whether they act upon their attractions or not. One belief is that sexuality is a choice. This is seen

as incorrect, as many psychologists believe that sexuality develops over time, possibly before

birth. The hypothesis is that people are unable to choose their own sexuality. This includes

transgendered people as well. It is highly unlikely sexuality is a conscious choice people make.

The current hypothesis is sexual orientation is not a conscious choice. Instead, it develops over

time. As people grow older, they become more mindful of their attraction to different and

specific genders. “The process of awareness, experimentation, and acceptance of the unfolding

sexual orientation takes time. It generally begins in adolescence, continues through emerging and

even early adulthood, and may continue to evolve beyond early adulthood…” (Rosario 2).

Because of societal views, it is more “normal” for a woman to be with a man, and vice versa.

This may cause adolescents to ignore their attractions and not act upon them, thinking nothing of

it. Therefore, more people “come out” about their sexuality later in life. Of course, everyone is

different and discovers whom they are attracted to at different times in their lives.

Sexual orientation is not something people willfully choose but it is determined by

environmental, biological, and social factors. In fact, these factors and processes could begin

before a person is born, meaning that people could be born with their sexuality, not have it
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developed over time. It is suggested that biological factors start before birth. During an

individual’s upbringing, social and environmental factors come into play. It is unable to be

determined how much these factors affect an individual’s development of their sexuality (Sexual

Orientation 6). More research must be done on the subject to determine how these factors

determine sexuality and how much they do as well. Biological processes influence a person’s

hormones, thus determining who and what features are found attractive to that person. It is quite

difficult to pinpoint when exactly sexual orientation is developed, but we can assume that it starts

before birth. While sexuality is biologically determined, people must choose whether to act on

their attractions towards other people. They have complete control over their actions. While an

individual may not be able to control whom they are attracted to, they can control whether they

act upon it. This is partially a reason people may think sexuality is a choice. Sexuality is not a

choice but acting on it is. So, how long does it take for sexual orientation to develop? There is no

clear answer; however, based on the research previously mentioned, it could begin before birth.

If this is true, sexuality is not developed later in life, but recognized. Every person is different,

meaning others can discover their sexual orientation later or earlier in life. In figure 1, the picture

shows the percentage of adults with different sexual orientations, retrieved from the Williams

Institute. More people discover their sexuality later in life, so the percentages from different
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studies can give readers a greater idea of how many people are not heterosexual.

Sexuality is not only a part of who a person is, but it is also the relationships people build

with one another. Under the tab, “What is sexual orientation?” on the American Psychiatric

Association website, it states, “Sexual orientation is commonly discussed as if it were solely a

characteristic of an individual, like biological sex, gender identity, or age. This perspective is

incomplete because sexual orientation is defined in terms of relationships with others”

(American Psychological Association 4). Under the same tab, examples of holding hands and

kissing are given. Sexual orientation consists of relationships, actions, and social interactions.

This means that people's sexual orientation defines whom they build romantic relationships with.
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Being in a romantic relationship takes dedication. Their partner becomes such an important

person in their life. Finding the right partner can be difficult, which is why it is important for

others to know whom they are attracted to. Relationships become a large part of personal

identity. It’s said that in order to love others, an individual must first love themself. If this is the

case, people must first accept and be prideful in who they are and of their sexuality to form

stable, happy relationships. Self-hate can stem off internalized homophobia, which can harm an

individual mentally, and deteriorate their mental health. This can lead to self-harm and suicide.

When a person accepts their sexuality, a weight will be lifted off their shoulders. It is important

for a person to continue to care for themselves mentally and physically.

There are five terms, or labels commonly used for sexuality. There are others, but these

are the most used: Heterosexuality, homosexuality, pansexuality, bisexuality, and asexuality.

Heterosexuality is between a man and a woman, homosexuality is between wo people of the

same sex, and bisexuality is between a man and a woman or two people that are the same sex. In

addition, women who are attracted to women only are commonly labeled as lesbians. Men

attracted to men are commonly referred to as gay. Another sexual orientation is pansexuality.

This is similar to bisexuality. If a person is pansexual, they are attracted to male and female, as

well as any gender. The article also mentions asexuality. Asexuality is the sexual orientation of

feeling no sexual attraction towards others. Because sexuality can be viewed as a spectrum,

people are free to experiment and are not restricted from determining which group they belong

to. “For example, a person who identifies as heterosexual may experience or explore physical

attraction to a person of the same gender without choosing to identify as bisexual or

homosexual” (Sexual Orientation 2). There are numerous other sexual orientations. These are the

most common classifications. Heterosexuality is the most heard of, as most people identify as
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heterosexual. Heterosexuality has never been stigmatized and has been viewed as the social

norm. Many kids may grow up thinking a man and woman being together is normal, while two

people of the same sex being together are abnormal. This is because of the societal views of

families. Typically, when a child thinks of a family, they would think of a father, a mother, and

children. Possibly a pet as well. Because of this, children might grow up thinking they cannot

like someone of the same sex or gender as them. This can cause people to discover their

sexuality later in life instead of earlier.

Sexual orientation is a big part of people’s identities. It determines how people act

socially around others, and how people communicate with one another. It’s part of who they are.

“Sexual orientation represents a critical personal and social identity, with implications for health

and functioning in other adaptational areas of life” (Rosario 2). Sexuality is part of a person’s

identity. Being unable to express that part of who a person is can deteriorate a person’s mental

health drastically. Mental illness is a major problem in the world at this time. Mental illness in

LGBTQ+ individuals is also on the rise. When a person discovers they are attracted to the same

or another gender they did not previously know of, they can become confused and worried. It is a

major change in a person’s life to discover another part of who they are. They may develop

anxiety, depression, or other mental illnesses during this time. Unfortunately, a lot of this worry

stems from the idea that they will not be accepted as who they are.

It is extremely important for people today, especially adolescents, to maintain good

mental health. When someone questions their sexuality, it can become frightening. After all, a

major part of who they are is seemingly changing. Many people feel as though they cannot tell

others, or “come out” about their sexuality in fear of being viewed differently, or not being

accepted. This can cause a buildup of nerves and anxiety. The confusion many feel during this
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time of questioning adds to the amount of stress and pressure people go through during this time

in their lives. It is important those who are questioning their sexuality receive support. The

history behind homosexuality and sexual orientations other than heterosexual causes sexuality to

be stigmatized. Many people in the LGBTQ+ community face discrimination and prejudice,

which proved to have negative effects psychologically. The American Psychological Association

agrees with this statement as well, which is the same association mentioned previously that

stated homosexuality was a mental illness in the past. The researchers in this organization

recognized homosexuality is not a mental illness or choice, but rather a part of who an individual

is.

Although it is said that sexual orientation is determined through environmental,

biological, and social factors, others believe this is not the case. Despite professionals’ views on

the topic, some believe that sexuality is a choice. People can choose who they are attracted to

and can choose whom they surround themselves with. This is inaccurate, as sexuality is not a

choice. However, it is true a person can choose if they wish to react to their emotions. “For a

variety of personal reasons, some people may decide not to act upon certain attractions.

However, denying the existence of these attractions will not eliminate them, nor does it diminish

their power and force” (The Development of Sexual Orientation 8). When a person denies who,

or what genders attract them can be more harmful to an individual. It can become confusing for

someone to deny what they are feeling instead of embracing it. The previous paragraph

mentioned mental health. When people do not accept themselves, their mental health can decline.

They may feel like something is wrong with them, which is not the case. “Disparities in health

and mental health between sexual-minority and heterosexual individuals emerge in early

adolescence, in large part because sexual-minority individuals are stigmatized” (Mental Health
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Weekly Digest 1). Many professionals do not believe sexuality is a choice but rather developed

by a myriad of variables, like a person’s genetics and hormones. If people can choose how to

feel, mental health would not be as much of an issue as it is right now. Everyone would be happy

and content with themselves. A person cannot choose how they feel, and especially cannot

choose whom they love.

Every person is different, and that includes their sexuality. Not everyone is heterosexual,

and there are many different labels because sexuality is a spectrum. Sexual orientation is a

significant factor in people’s lives. It determines whom people develop relationships with, get

married with, and start a family with. Sexuality is determined through environmental, biological,

and social factors, not by choice; although, people may choose whether to express those

attractions. Though the degree of these factors is not certain, researchers are aware these factors

are involved. Those with different sexual orientations may be stigmatized, which can decline

one’s mental health. It is important to be comfortable with your sexual orientation and accept

yourself, as you cannot help who you love. There is still plenty of research that needs to be done

on the subject of sexual orientation, but with the knowledge available now, it is certain sexuality

is not a choice.
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References

“Sexual Orientation and Homosexuality” American Psychological Association (APA). American

Psychological Association, American Psychological Association, https://www.apa.org/.

Accessed 24 Oct. 2021.

How many people are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender? Williams Institute. (2021,

February 3). Retrieved November 11, 2021, from

https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/how-many-people-lgbt/.

"New Findings from University of Sherbrooke Update Understanding of Child and Adolescent

Development (Gender, Sexuality, and Gender Nonconformity: Understanding Variation

in Functioning)." Mental Health Weekly Digest, 5 Dec. 2016, p. 156. Gale In Context:

Opposing Viewpoints,

link.gale.com/apps/doc/A472597264/OVIC?u=dayt30401&sid=bookmark-

OVIC&xid=925d5805. Accessed 24 Oct. 2021.

Rosario, Margaret. “Sexual Orientation Development of Heterosexual, Bisexual, Lesbian, and

Gay Individuals: Questions and Hypotheses Based on Kaestle’s (2019) Research.”

Journal of Sex Research, vol. 56, no. 7, Sept. 2019, pp. 827–831. EBSCOhost,

doi:10.1080/00224499.2019.1590796. Accessed 24 Oct. 2021

"Sexual Orientation." Gale Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection, Gale, 2021. Gale In

Context: Opposing Viewpoints,

link.gale.com/apps/doc/PC3010999201/OVIC?u=dayt30401&sid=bookmark-

OVIC&xid=6989b944. Accessed 24 Oct. 2021.

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“The Development of Sexual Orientation.” Mental Help The Development of Sexual Orientation

Comments, 2021, https://www.mentalhelp.net/sexuality/orientation/. Accessed 24 Oct.

2021.