We have theories. Hey, even gravity is a theory.

There are multiple ways of viewing the development of sexual identity, and academics acknowledges this. Some perspectives, however, have a bit more empirical backing indicating their possibility than others. Those are the ones that we further investigate.

WOW — lends a whole new dimension to how I think about myself! 🙂

Glad you are looking at all this, Warren, I have been long dissatisfied with any of the theories or explanations for the development of our gender identiy and sexual orientation. Especially when any one theory seems to be held up as THE explanation, or they are all dismissed as if they have no merit,

Although I think there is also some interesting research on the sexual plasticity of women (as opposed to such observations in men).

I have long thought that explaining same-sex attraction may not be the exact same development in women and men. However, I would extend that to say that I don’t think the process is the same for even every woman or every man in that group. Like heterosexuality, I think we come to our varied preferences through multiple paths.

What I think we can say (per “biological exuberance” and other such works) is that there is a consistent portion of numerous species that seem to be same-sex oriented, with the majority being opposite-sex oriented. Occurring in hundreds of species whose only reference is instinctual drive fulfillment…it’s a pretty good indication that biology leans us one way or another.

Papa penguin’s neglect and the hurt feelings of the little one likely has little to do with why his son wanted to pair with another male.

BSJ (you know who you are) – Very true, however, what I am suggesting is that ex-gay men may not be bisexual in the usual way of thinking of bisexuality but rather may be better conceptualized as having triggered desire by falling in love. I need to start a study that would classify this but anecdotally it seems to have some foundation.

I think it is important to note that Diamond drew her conclusions from observing women. I have long thought that sexual orientation in men and in women functions very differently. Observations made about gay women may or may not be applicable to gay men.