The three terms sexual orientations, gender identity, and sexual preference all have different definitions, but are all related. It is difficult to determine where just one comes from because each is dependent upon the other. Many professionals and scientists have studied and debated the matters for years. After all the definitions and theories, there is still no clear-cut answer, only hypothesis and studies. It is my opinion that a child is created and born either male or female, but there are many different factors that can influence or change what one's sexual orientation, gender identity, and sexual preference may be.
             The starting point is gender identity which is defined as "the individual's private experience of self as female or male..... and is extremely resistant to change" (Lips, 69). Gender identity cannot be discussed without also mentioning gender roles. Gender roles are "the set of behaviors socially defined as appropriate for one's sex" (Lips, 69). If a person's gender identity differs from that of his actual gender it can cause many problems for the individual. Society looks upon that person as strange or wrong. Many times a person whose gender role does not match their gender identity ends up living a miserable existence in silence for fear of rejection from society and loved ones. To me, this is very sad and unselfish. This person would rather go through life unhappy and confused than to take a chance of hurting those around him. It is my opinion that if his loved ones truly care, they will accept him for who he is, and be happy because someone they care about is living a happy and fulfilled life. Society as a whole may gawk at the situation or the person, but as long as one has a loving support group it shouldn't matter.
             It is only after discussing and defining gender identity that sexual orientation and sexual preference ca
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