Being may or not be a choice, but practicing is. It is interesting that in the 70's I had an office in the Montrose area of Houston. Even then, it was largely a gay community. I remember gay friends and co workers always wanted to tell you "their story" (whether you wanted to hear it or not). For the males it was about an absent father or dominant mother, bad dating experiences, and finding their identity by joining the gay community. It other words, their gay identity was largely the result of social/psychological factors. Then the gay political movement decided it was in their best interest to adopt a genetic narrative. If homosexuality was no longer a lifestyle choice but the result of genetic determinism, then they would have the same rights as racial minorities or women. This has proven to be a winning strategy. The only problem, despite popular opinion, there is no indisputable evidence that homosexuality is totally genetically determined. Certainly, in any case, practice is a choice.
I believe religious faith is a choice; however, social and psychological factors may contribute to that choice such as growing up in a religious family.
So people choose to believe in doctrines that condemn others and stories that cannot be proved ? Why are these people allowed to scream their opinions and influence societies ?
They were "explaining it" because it was criminalized and socially condemned, so they felt compelled to rationalize it in order to gain acceptance, from you, others or even possibly themselves. I don't know where anyone claimed that every trait not consciously chosen was a result of genetics, or that that would be a necessary stipulation for equal rights.
Because "free societies" are a marketplace of ideas. Do you want to impose only your ideas on everyone instead of letting them choose?
You made that conscious decision? Did you experiment with other guys? And I was attracted to girls way back in Kindergarten. It wasn't a decision.
There's no evidence that homosexuality is a choice any more or less than hetersexuality. In fact you use words like choice, preference, and lifestyle to diminish it as a deviant activity. You people never refer to heterosexual choices, preferences, or lifestyles.
Sure, let's bring up the ideas of reinstating slavery and taking away women's suffrage with congress. Let's see how they choose. Oh, what's that? They're stupid ideas that nobody should entertain and waste time on? Yea I agree, but religion sure has some similar ideas though.
I've thought about this for a while and the truth is I've always been attracted to girls. Probably not on the same level as when I got older but I've always known it. Its not like ...puberty...I guess I like gurrls!!
I grew up in a social setting where most of my role models were females. My grandmother is still my earliest role model. I was interested in baking like her for example. But, and this may be your point, when puberty came I was "automatically" attracted to girls. At the time I didn't understand it. It seemed largely chemical and I think it was, but I also believe it was a complicated mix of factors. No, I did not experiment with other guys; I wasn't attracted to them. You were precocious; I didn't even notice girls in Kindergarten.
"You people???" Yes I would. I can be a monk, celibate, whatever I want. I can choose to practice my sexual orientation or not.