A critical analysis of "born this way" and "not a choice" arguments for the acceptance of queer sexualities

Abstract

Building on the criticism of the good track record argument, I presented an alternative argument for the acceptance of queer sexualities based on the personal freedom to engage in consensual non-heterosexual behaviour, that is not susceptible to the status versus conduct distinction. While the behaviour-based argument I presented does not rely on both philosophically and scientifically contested concept of sexual orientation and thus has several advantages in regard to it (such as greater potential for generalizability), I did not question the usefulness of the distinction between sexual orientation and sexual identity in this thesis. I also did not consider the role of choice in determining sexual orientation. An interesting analysis of these issues could be provided, for example on the basis of William S. Wilkerson’s fusion theory (Ambiguity and Sexuality, 2007) and his argument regarding the role of interpretation in determining sexual orientation (Wilkinson, 2009).