Is sexual orientation flexible?

[Melkor]

Well, I sometimes feel like people, affected by the environment, end up having different sexual orientation. Of course, I know that they might have not questioned themselves before and they found out that they are different. So we don't have enough evidence that it is in our genes and certainly it is not a choice but what is it? Why does it increase towards a specific gender over a period of time ?

[Left Now]

Well, I sometimes feel like people, affected by the environment, end up having different sexual orientation. Of course, I know that they might have not questioned themselves before and they found out that they are different. So we don't have enough evidence that it is in our genes and certainly it is not a choice but what is it? Why does it increase towards a specific gender over a period of time ?


The certain different effects which certain conditions in certain different areas and times have, can surely influence lots of of our Genetical Traits.

Most of our traits and qualities are influenced by the conditions of where and when and how we live.The very thing which Genetics do about most of one's traits and qualities,is to provide advantages for some traits to be strengthened and grow better,and disadvantages for some others in a person;although many (not most) of our traits are directly dependent on Genetic and changing is somehow not possible for them.

Sexual Orientation is one of these traits.Genetics provide advantages for a certain sexual trait and quality to be strengthened more in a person,and other conditions (environmental,social and etc.) will play the real role and strengthen it.

However,sometimes the part which depends on Genetics themselves is strong enough to completely shape the Sexual Orientation of a person alone,and other conditions cannot have a very effective role in it anymore.

[Screw Attack]

Personally, I think social orientation is a spectrum and not a single box you tick. My opinion on it isn't fully formed on it so I don't want to say something stupid so I'm not going to elaborate haha.

[Human]

I think it's pretty flexible, I think environmental and genetic circumstances both contribute to form your sexual orientation

[SethfromMI]

Personally, I think social orientation is a spectrum and not a single box you tick. My opinion on it isn't fully formed on it so I don't want to say something stupid so I'm not going to elaborate haha.

I think that's very fair to say

[Miserabilia]

I think it might be; who knows?
It doesn't really matter at this point anyway, what matters most is that we accept sexual orientations as long as they aren't hurting us.

[ImCoolBeans]

Nature and nurture work together at all times throughout your development, which encompasses your entire lifespan, meaning that your genes and the environment influence each other to create both your physical and psychological self. Some genes are brought out because of environmental influences, and likewise, some genes are inhibited by the environment.

I believe that sexual orientation can be flexible, but it depends on the person's genes, environment, and social development. Not everybody is open minded to sexuality, and many people repress their sexual urges based on how they have come to believe society should/does work.

Some people never desire to be with another person of the same sex, and stick to heterosexuality for their entire lives. But then again, we can't possibly know what people are thinking, and who is to say that he or she had never contemplated having sex with or dating somebody of the same gender, but never acted on it? That is what makes sexuality kind of a difficult topic, not everybody is going to tell the truth when it comes to their sex lives -- especially if their social development has lead them to believe that homosexuality is wrong, and he/she has repressed their urges.

[Atom]

Nature and nurture work together at all times throughout your development.
This.
Which encompasses your entire lifespan.
This, however, - not so much.

I personally believe that it all comes down to childhood. That's when the main concepts are programmed into our brains. This is also why all the therapists/psychologists/psychiatrists always ask us about our childhood. This is the foundation of our personalities.

Is sexual orientation flexible?
Different gay people will tell you different things, but the scientific answer is out there, even though not everyone likes it...
I really don't understand why people are still debating this.

[ImCoolBeans]

This.

This, however, - not so much.

I personally believe that it all comes down to childhood. That's when the main concepts are programmed into our brains. This is also why all the therapists/psychologists/psychiatrists always ask us about our childhood. This is the foundation of our personalities.

The current consensus in developmental psychology is that development does not stop after childhood, and continues into your geriatrics. While you may not physically grow taller, your brain is still exerting it's ability to be durable, and flexible, with the flexibility leaving room for further development, even as a mature adult. I agree that your earlier childhood plays a much bigger role in development, and it's pretty fundamental, but it doesn't stop there.

[Danny_boi 16]

To me sexual orientation is a spectrum without absolutes. Since there are two sexes I think everyone is a attracted to both, it's just a matter of degrees. But I think that people can still move on this spectrum over their lives. I guess it all depend on the environment where the person is at.