General Discussion

Spider Jerusalem

(21,786 posts)

44. Just "sexuality", neither preference nor orientation.

Reply to Stinky The Clown (Original post)

Fri Mar 16, 2012, 08:32 PM

Mar 2012

I don't think it needs an additional descriptor, really.

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Sincere question: "Sexual preference" or "Sexual orientation"? [View all] Stinky The Clown Mar 2012 OP

While I am not gay, but do have a lesbian daughter HockeyMom Mar 2012 #1

I'd agree with you. I didn't choose to be straight, it's just who I am, so I don't think gateley Mar 2012 #7

Thanks. That's the conclusion I drew, too, for the same reason. Stinky The Clown Mar 2012 #8

In most cases, that would appear to be the case. kiss me im irish Mar 2012 #56

Preference implies choice? You prefer vanilla over chocolate ice cream. Did you choose that? GodlessBiker Mar 2012 #2

Are you comparing taste choice of ice cream to sexual orientation? uppityperson Mar 2012 #6

In a way, yes. We all are presented with desires that we do not choose. GodlessBiker Mar 2012 #17

Oh, I chose my preferences all the time. I used to prefer 22 yr olds, now 50 yr olds. uppityperson Mar 2012 #24

So, tomorrow, choose to prefer 22 year-old again. I don't think you could. GodlessBiker Mar 2012 #28

I am not sure what your point is since you seem to be saying orientation doesn't change, but uppityperson Mar 2012 #30

I think Godless Biker is identifying a middle zone between "conscious choice" and "hard wired" alcibiades_mystery Mar 2012 #37

But you'd probably eat either, right? Just because you prefer one doesn't mean the other doesn't gateley Mar 2012 #13

My sister-in-law prefers her steak well done. If it has pink in it, she won't eat it. End of story GodlessBiker Mar 2012 #21

Haha! Well, you present a good example, gateley Mar 2012 #23

I've gone to many orientations in my lifetime Duer 157099 Mar 2012 #3

Bisexuals don't make a choice in their sexual orientation either. Behind the Aegis Mar 2012 #9

Not what I meant Duer 157099 Mar 2012 #27

Bisexual's orientation is bi-sexual. Their preference, their choice of who, etc, is their choice. uppityperson Mar 2012 #16

That's what I meant Duer 157099 Mar 2012 #29

Orientation is how you are, hard wiring. Preference is what you chose to do. It depends on what uppityperson Mar 2012 #4

isn't sexual orientation more complex than that Johonny Mar 2012 #31

It may not be digital, more analogue, but you are what you are. uppityperson Mar 2012 #33

I think it's more of a semantic difference, but I know many'll get offended if "preference" is used EOTE Mar 2012 #5

My sexual orientation is gay. My sexual preference is...well, if you really want to know... Behind the Aegis Mar 2012 #10

I think you said it right bowens43 Mar 2012 #11

Bisexuals might prefer the word "preference". izquierdista Mar 2012 #12

Do they chose to be bisexual, or chose which sex to have sex with when? uppityperson Mar 2012 #22

Nope. It's also an orientation. TrogL Mar 2012 #26

That is incorrect. The orientation of bisexuals is not flexible. They are bisexual. yardwork Mar 2012 #53

prefer to use my left hand because I'm oriented to use to use my left hand LanternWaste Mar 2012 #14

I'm hard wired straight JustAnotherGen Mar 2012 #15

Orientation, Sir, Seems Preferable To Me The Magistrate Mar 2012 #18

I think it's certainly the less contentious choice, but I am finding this discussion very MADem Mar 2012 #36

My sexual orientation is straight guitar man Mar 2012 #19

Speaking as a word geek, I would opt hifiguy Mar 2012 #20

Neither are perfect terms but HockeyMom Mar 2012 #25

It may be genetic or it may be nurture or may be some of both... in the end SWTORFanatic Mar 2012 #34

My preference is to have sex vs. NOT have sex excuse not to write Mar 2012 #32

I am oriented towards women. I have no interest in being with a man. I prefer brunettes, but SWTORFanatic Mar 2012 #35

Do straight people feel like they "choose" the opposite sex to be attracted to, or Lex Mar 2012 #38

I grew up in Greenwich Village HockeyMom Mar 2012 #41

I suspect everyone already knows that. The question in the OP is which term is preferred. Stinky The Clown Mar 2012 #42

Which term do you prefer for yourself, then? Lex Mar 2012 #46

Go with "orientation" Prophet 451 Mar 2012 #39

My guess. Rex Mar 2012 #40

Sexual preference would be, for example, whether you like being on top or bottom... Humanist_Activist Mar 2012 #43

Just "sexuality", neither preference nor orientation. Spider Jerusalem Mar 2012 #44

Sexual Orientation The Genealogist Mar 2012 #45

+1,000,000,000,000 HuckleB Mar 2012 #48

Got Duh! HuckleB Mar 2012 #47

Is that puke smiley directed at me? Stinky The Clown Mar 2012 #50

It's aimed at the propagandists that push the "preference" meme. HuckleB Mar 2012 #51

I didn't realize there were such people. Stinky The Clown Mar 2012 #52

Are you? HuckleB Mar 2012 #59

All you needed to do was say that. Stinky The Clown Mar 2012 #60

I said it in the first place. HuckleB Mar 2012 #62

The OP was my attempt to educate myself, actually Stinky The Clown Mar 2012 #63

Sexual preference is a yes or no question. donheld Mar 2012 #49

"sexual preference" is actively used by the religious right to demean gay people ruggerson Mar 2012 #54

Thanks! Stinky The Clown Mar 2012 #55

No problem STC ruggerson Mar 2012 #57

I use "orientation" nowadays. Iggo Mar 2012 #58

Orientation for sure, though there are complications with any label. GliderGuider Mar 2012 #61

Sexual preference is for hair color (etc.), orientation is for gender. ZombieHorde Mar 2012 #64