Final answer:
Sexual orientation is primarily rooted in human biology with evidence of genetic and biological contributions; it is not a choice and cannot be changed through conversion therapy. There is no consensus on one singular cause, as various factors interact in complex ways.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Sexual Orientation:
The majority of evidence indicates that sexual orientation is rooted in human biology, although social experience plays some role. The balance of research evidence suggests that there is an underlying biological component to sexual orientation, including gene-level contributions and differences in brain structure and function among those with different sexual orientations. Additionally, sexual orientation is not a choice, but rather a stable characteristic that cannot be changed, as claimed by conversion therapy practices.
Despite substantial research, there is no scientific consensus on the exact causes of a person's sexual orientation. Factors such as genetics, hormonal influences, developmental processes, and social and cultural environments have all been explored, but none is singularly determinant. Alfred Kinsey's concept of sexuality as a continuum has been influential in understanding that sexual orientation is not a binary but rather spans a range of attractions.
It is important to recognize that individuals typically become aware of their sexual orientation between middle childhood and early adolescence, without the necessity of sexual activity. Society's approach to questioning and interpreting sexual orientation often reflects a heteronormative bias, which presumes heterosexuality as a default without the same scrutiny applied to homosexuality or bisexuality.