I don’t read a complete “choice” in that — I read early childhood trauma, a defense mechanism set - up probably before the child was fully cognitive, and things going on at the deepest levels that took a lot of work to discover and more time to modify.
Somewhat like the “choice” an alcoholic makes, it is unwitting and often not self-discovered, but then if an alternative presents itself, remaining actively drinking has the true test of choice to it; conscious decision making to continue.
I’ve heard stories like this. I have also heard stories from people that sincerely tried to flip the switch and it not work out anywhere near the same for them. By and large, I am not in the “immutable characteristic” camp, but at the same time, wiring that is put together in a faulty manner at an age to young for the person getting their wiring poorly arranged does not meet the “choice” criteria for me.
Ultimately, the psychiatrists removing same sex attraction from the list of mental disorders may have committed a huge disservice to 2% of the population.
wiring that is put together in a faulty manner at an age to young for the person getting their wiring poorly arranged does not meet the “choice” criteria for me.”
REally, I think so much compassion is warranted in these circumstances. The idea of having one’s manhood being taken away, essentially, is really heartbreaking. The metaphor of “wiring” is also very apt. There is no question that early trauma (again, a circumstance where compassion is warranted) in fact changes brain chemistry and physiology. Very tragic stuff.
I also would note that the hatred of women (which I have personally heard articulated by many gay men) has the effect of re-wiring the brain in awful ways.
there’s just nothing good about this whole situation.
To get out of it, it seems clear that a holistic response is the only thing that will work: Christian spirituality, counseling, perhaps some meds. But that approach is currently illegal, b/c at least on the psychiatric side, homosexuality is a celebrated and protected class. Very, very tragic.