Sexuality, Is it always genetically predetermined?

Hi..

Firstly apologies if this topic has been covered before. I've just been pondering of late the origins of peoples sexuality. There's a huge debate saying it's all in the genes etc etc. I think, however, that enviornment may play a huge part in it.

I grew up in the Lesbian scene for a good many years, most of them my influencial years as a child. I'm not a Lesbian, I love men too much and I'm terribly greedy so wouldn't be able to just have one of the sex's. I'm very bisexual and have been since I ever remember. Do you think that was in my genes or do you think it was my environment?

Does anyone have any other examples either way?

Caroline xx

Wow, Caroline, you sound like the female equivalent of me!

I have had sexual interest in the same sex if they have sexual interest in me for as long as I can remember.
But I know I’m not gay because I am hopelessly attracted to women, In fact, I’m just like any other red blooded sexual male in that respect and I’d never give up a chance with a woman over a guy. I could never see myself being with a guy long term because I need a woman. But if a guy shows interest I get the twinges of excitement. Obviously in everyday life its not often that you randomly attract or acknowledge interest from other guys who are looking for other guys, but in this day and age its not difficult to go out and find it if you want it. I have done that on occasions and it’s seems to be something that I don’t feel bad about or think twice about when the mood takes me.

As for things that could have influenced this , well, I grew up in the uk south east in a tough town where I would have been victimized for my way of thinking had anyone known. I have had manual jobs since I left and have always worked with men who are men if you know what I mean and don’t stray from the general sexual opinions of mainstream society. Once again it was an environment where anything other than the “norm” would not be tolerated and I would be out cast.
Finally my parents, never really had a good relationship, there was not a lot of love in my home, and I have always felt I have been dealt a bad hand as far as affection and understanding goes. Sex was never talked about and no advice was ever given and anything out of the ordinary was frowned upon. In fact in my mid twenties real pressure was exerted to find a “good woman” and settle down.
So, I worked myself out all by myself one way or another, and I’m cool with it now. which is think is a reasonable achivement if you take into account that sexual interaction between males is far less accepted than sexual and romanticly emotional interaction between females.
I don’t really understand why I am like I am, I don’t even think I really need to anymore. In theory because of my upbringing and life experience there is no reason for the compulsion and attraction to experience my bisexual interest is so strong, but I have learned to live with that.
I just follow my instinct and I only let the people who can cope with that know about it, which isn’t many!

Instinct and compulsion is genetic in animals at least, and I can only think that with all the evidence in my case, the instinct and compulsion in me is genetic.

Hope this contributes towards your ponderings!

TLB