Sexual orientation is an enduring pattern of romantic or sexual attraction (or a combination of the two) to persons of the opposite sex or gender, the same sex or gender, or to both sexes or more than one gender. These attractions are generally subsumed under heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality, while asexuality (the lack of sexual attraction to others) is sometimes identified as the fourth category.
There is considerable debate over the precise nature of sexual orientation, and over whether it is innate or largely shaped by one’s environment and experiences. The scientific consensus is that sexual orientation is most likely determined by a complex interaction of environmental, emotional, hormonal, and genetic factors; however, no single theory has been conclusively proven. Sexual orientation development across an individual’s lifespan—different people realize at different points in their lives that they are heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual etc.—has also been widely studied.
Some researchers argue that sexual orientation can be fluid and changeable over time; however, most scientists believe that for most people it remains fairly constant throughout adulthood. There is currently no cure for any type of sexuality; neither conversion therapy nor “praying away the gay” have been shown to be effective treatments for homosexuality. In fact, such therapies may do more harm than good by causing feelings of shame and low self-esteem in individuals who do not conform to straight society’s expectations.
Most countries now recognize that LGBT rights should be protected just as those of any other minority group; however there continues to be much discrimination against LGBT people around the world – in some places it is even punishable by death. In many developed countries legal protection from discrimination has slowly been extended to cover LGBT people in recent years; however much still needs to be done in order achieve full equality.