Sexual orientation: is it a choice? From birth, certain basic functions will accompany them throughout their lives. The ability to eat, breathe, sleep or learn is a natural phenomenon for most people. However, there are traits specific to each individual. These are traits that set them apart from others. Traits such as eye color, dominant hand or susceptibility to a specific disease are a few traits that are not easy to change. However, some topics are controversial as to whether one is born with this trait or if it is a learned behavior. One of the biggest controversies concerns whether sexual orientation is a choice or something beyond the influence of the individual. Although evidence is usually ignored due to personal beliefs or opinions, sexual orientation is not a choice. For starters, sexual orientation can be determined by more than one factor and is not the same for everyone. According to the American Psychological Association: "There are many theories about the origins of a person's sexual orientation...the orientation is most likely the result of a complex interaction of environmental, cognitive, and biological factors...there are There are probably many reasons for a person's sexual orientation and the reasons may be different for different people. ("Sexual Orientation and Homosexuality") Genetics, biology, and upbringing are all key aspects in determining a person's sexual orientation. Many factors combine to determine what a person feels like or is attracted to. There is no definitive answer to why someone has a particular orientation, but there are studies that suggest......middle of article......eb. 2014. Osmundson, Joseph. "'I was born this way': Is sexuality innate and should it matter?" Harvard Kennedy School. NP, 2011. Web. February 11, 2014. .Rahman, Qazi. PubMed Central. Np, July 26, 2005. Web. February 26, 2014. “Scans reveal 'differences between gay brains'” BBC News. Np, June 16, 2008. Web. February 25, 2014. “Sexual orientation and homosexuality.” http://www.apa.org. Np, and Web. February 25, 2014. “Twin Studies and Homosexuality.” Institute of World Politics. Np, and Web. February 12. 2014. .