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== Homosexual Orientation vs. Behavior ==

== Homosexual Orientation vs. Behavior ==

One aspect that is far too little discussed is the difference between homosexual [[behavior]] and homosexual [[orientation]].

One aspect that is far too little discussed is the difference between homosexual ''behavior'' and homosexual ''orientation''.

Homosexual behavior has been widespread throughout history among individuals (classical Greece, sailors at sea, prison inmates, boarding school pupils, etc.) who were otherwise heterosexual, married and had families. Depending upon social tolerance, many heterosexual men and women may have casual, accidental or recreational encounters with the other sex without this having any effect on their underlying sexuality.

Homosexual behavior has been widespread throughout history among individuals (classical Greece, sailors at sea, prison inmates, boarding school pupils, etc.) who were otherwise heterosexual, married and had families. Depending upon social tolerance, many heterosexual men and women may have casual, accidental or recreational encounters with the other sex without this having any effect on their underlying sexuality.

It seems quite clear however, that there is a core homosexual population of men and women whose orientation is exclusively towards the same sex, and whose orientation manifests itself at puberty, at the latest. Also, people being people, there will be confused individuals who think they belong to one of these groups when they actually belong to the other. Many (perhaps all) "cured" homosexuals may fall under this heading.

It seems quite clear however, that there is a core homosexual population of men and women whose orientation is exclusively towards the same sex, and whose orientation manifests itself at puberty, at the latest. Also, people being people, there will be confused individuals who think they belong to one of these groups when they actually belong to the other. Many (perhaps all) "cured" homosexuals may fall under this heading.

[[Behavioral]] homosexuality is clearly voluntary or cultural, i.e. "learned" behavior. and such as such can be modified. But it seems likely that homosexual [[orientation]] is not learned, but innate.

''Behavioral'' homosexuality is clearly voluntary or cultural, i.e. "learned" behavior. and such as such can be modified. But it seems likely that homosexual ''orientation'' is not learned, but innate.

Might it be possible even for pious Christians (Moslems, Jews) to find a just compromise on this basis: condemning recreational, opportunistic or predatory homo(bi)sexual behavior while accepting the homosexual orientation of people who have no choice in the matter?

Might it be possible even for pious Christians (Moslems, Jews) to find a just compromise on this basis: condemning recreational, opportunistic or predatory homo(bi)sexual behavior while accepting the homosexual orientation of people who have no choice in the matter?