ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews historical instances of intellectual warfare and accommodation as people review the rapidly evolving history of sexual orientation. Sexual orientation refers broadly to the nature of enduring romantic, emotional, intellectual, and sexual attractions, attachments, and preferences. It has become increasingly clear that biological sexual identity as male or female does not predict the direction or locus of romantic or erotic appeal. Differential attachments and attractions are obvious even within those who identify as homosexual, heterosexual or bisexual, and there is growing recognition of greater diversity in human romantic attraction, including those who identify as asexual and do not feel sexual attraction for others. The chapter addresses related issues such as employment discrimination, military service, and parenting. It explores tensions and accommodations between science and religion with respect to topics such as the origins of males and females, social roles of men and women, and variations in sexual orientations and identities.
