Sexual preference vs. orientation

My philosophy teacher was talking about equality the other day and he said everyone should be equal regardless of their sexual preference. I was about to say ":dry: Oh shut up, it's not a choice" but a friend (who's lesbian) asked the teacher about before I could.
The teacher was kind of in a bad position so he corrected himself and said sexual orientation instead. He's was rather uncomfortable about what he just said and was talking gibberish. He obviously didn't want to start an argument about sexuality.

This got me thinking, how would you react if someone said sexual preference instead of orientation?

 

I'd get very upset, but I probably wouldn't say anything. It's not uncommon to hear homophobic jokes or sexual preference where I live. So I have to deal with that almost everyday. :dry:

 

I guess I don't get that upset when people say sexual preference. It's not like they're saying "sexual choice" or "chosen lifestyle." The lifestyle one bothers me. I guess "preference" doesn't as much because, yeah, it's true. I do prefer to be with girls. Because I'm a lesbian.

 

I dont see how 'sexual preference' is offensive... it does not indicate its a choice at all. Its true...you prefer the same sex.

 

I wouldn't care.

 

I would be upset but wouldnt say anything. Why start something that so many people know little about

 

You are right blueberrykisses, "preference" doesn't imply "choice" but if feels as if it did. I don't know why it feels that way to me though. In fact, if I had to debate the use of that term with my teacher, I wouldn't know how to explain it.

When the subject of LGBTs is brought up in a conversation, I try to spot every little "mistake" people make. Like using "preference" instead of "orientation". I'm probably a bit too critical though.

 

Sexual orientation is more inclusive.

 

I don't see why it would upset me... I always thought of "sexual preference" and "sexual orientation" as having the same basic meaning.

 

This

 

Personally, I have no issue with it.

That said...

I can see why, 'sexual preference' is potentially problematic. It leaves a little wiggle room, for folks to say, even if it is a preference, you can still choose to "be ___".

 

I am not offended by it

 

Yeah, "sexual preference" does not imply choice. Think about the other ways in which we use the word "preference". We talk about "preference" when it comes to what someone finds attractive: race, body type, hair color, etc. we use it when we talk about someone's favorite foods, etc. Do we choose what food we like and what body type we find attractive? No, so the same applies to the gender we're attracted to. It's both a preference and an orientation.

 

I am very much in favor of 'orientation' over 'preference'. I posted a similar question recently, if you would like to see the thread:http://emptyclosets.com/forum/gender-identity-expression/148974-term-sexual-preference.html

 

I agree with this

 

I use the term sexual preference all the time. I also say I have a preference for girls who wear glasses, am I choosing to like that or is it a part of my lifestyle? No. Preferences aren't choices.

 

I thought it meant the same thing.

 

^^^ To most people it does.

 

i wouldn't let it offend me