Are Homosexuals Really "Born This Way"?

 

With pride parades commonplace in many major cities, I started to think about the topic of homosexuality.  As rainbow flags and "love is love" signs hang in storefront windows, I question the notion of attraction, action, and spousal choice.  I also question why the need to showcase "pride" is so important to some people--as a heterosexual person, I have no desire to start straight parades.

Every day, there are men and women faced with the choice of who to pick as their spouse and which relationships to pursue.  It was in this pondering that I came to the conclusion that love truly is a choice that is impacted by various societal factors.  I'll explain.

Regardless of how much someone notices the attractiveness of another person, they are likely going to control themselves if certain criteria are met.  They will either take the action to stop dwelling on a person, avoid thinking of a person sexually, and certainly cease pursuit of a romantic relationship with a person if the person they find attractive is:

- a family member

- a minor under 18 years of age

- married or otherwise "taken"

- not interested / not reciprocating feelings

Or what of married folks?  Just because someone ties the knot doesn't mean they stop finding others attractive.  If they are serious about their vows, they choose to not act on extra-marital attractions.

This does not even take into account people who take religious vows of abstinence.  For the sake of their religious devotion and fervor, they swear off all future romance.  While some who take such vows are unsuccessful, there do exist people who successfully uphold their vows.  Control of romantic desires may be difficult, but it is possible.

On another note, many factors go into choosing one's life partner.  While attractiveness and chemistry is important, it is not the only deciding factor.  As attractive as someone may be, they may not be chosen as a life partner if they have financial struggles, an undesirable family, addictions, etc.  Then there is the topic of children.  As wonderful as someone may be, they may not be chosen as a life partner if they are unable to have children or do not want to have children.

Regardless of who you find attractive, I hope this has given you something to think about.  Who do you find attractive?  When you do restrain yourself from pursuing a romantic interest, what factors influence you?  What factors beyond attraction are important to you?