Ted Dickinson: I don't think I chose to be straight

by TED DICKINSON
online editor

I am a white male Republican heterosexual.

Let's break down that last statement, while considering how much choice I had in each of those four things.

White: No choice. My genes pretty much dictate I'm never going to have a tan.

Male: No choice. I could have a sex change operation, but it doesn't get rid of that Y chromosome.

Republican: Choice. While there are some influences (both my parents are Republican) there's nothing preventing me from going to the Cabell County Courthouse and changing my party affiliation.

Heterosexual: Uh oh. Not so obvious on this one, is it?

Well, I asked myself a few questions to determine just exactly why I'm heterosexual. All the rest of you heterosexuals out there, ask yourselves the same questions. And if you happen to be homosexual, keep reading anyway, because I think you'll figure out where I'm going with this.

What do I think caused my heterosexuality?

When and how did I first decide I was a heterosexual? Is it possible my heterosexuality is just a phase I may grow out of? Is it possible my heterosexuality stems from a neurotic fear of others of the same sex?

If I've never slept with a person of the same sex, is it possible all I need is a good gay lover?

To whom have I disclosed my heterosexual tendencies? How have they reacted?

Why do I, as a heterosexual, feel compelled to seduce others into my lifestyle?

Why do I insist on flaunting my heterosexuality? Why can't I just be what I am and keep it quiet?

Would I want my children to be heterosexual, knowing the problems they would face?

Would I feel safe entrusting my children to a heterosexual teacher, knowing most child molesters are heterosexual?

Why do heterosexuals put so much emphasis on sex?

Could I trust a heterosexual therapist?

How can I be whole if I limit myself to compulsive heterosexuality without exploring my homosexual potential?

There seems to be few happy heterosexuals. Since techniques have been developed to help me change if I want to, why don't I try it?

I couldn't give honest answers to some of those questions. And if you're heterosexual, you probably couldn't either.

Now you know how homosexual people feel every day when they get asked questions just like those.

Jonathan Sutton and others have already done a much better job of researching the science behind sexual preference than I ever could.

But if all that evidence still doesn't convince you, and you still think homosexuality is a decision, then just ask yourself: When DID I decide what my sexuality was?

Ted Dickinson is online editor for The Parthenon. He's sure he's heterosexual, but he's not sure when he figured that out. Comments can be directed to him at tdickinson@home.com.