| There are many, sometimes conflicting theories as to the causes of homosexuality and bisexuality, but to date, no definitive answer exists. Whatever the causes might be, the overwhelming anecdotal evidence strongly indicates that sexual orientation is not a conscious choice. Theories can generally be divided in "nature" and "nurture".
Nature. These theories contend that sexual orientation is determined biologically in some way, either genetically or through the action of substances on the fetus in the womb. Studies conducted so far are suggestive but inconclusive.
A brief summary of the various studies conducted in this field is given here.
Nurture. Those who do not agree that biology affects sexual orientation instead maintain that it is a result of environmental factors which are in place after birth. That is to say, the character and role of the parents in the family, whether one parent was perhaps more dominant over the other, and so on. |