"Orientation"..."Preference"...whats the difference?!?

A topic was raised on AfterEllen yesterday to do with the difference between "Sexual Preference" and "Sexual Orientation" with the former being seen as likening being gay as something that is a choice, instead of the way someone is.

The problem is that we're using a flawed term that describes choice, to mean something that people are trying to describe as characteristics that they are born with (similar to others listed above) Orientation is wrong, and so is preference. Disposition would be closer to the truth...or Predisposition...or even Propensity. All of these indicate more of the 'I was born that way' statement. I actually think that if you're looking for a word similar to the others that describe birth characteristics such as race, gender, etc., the more applicable term is SEXUALITY, isn't it? Its not the best, and if I were to come up with a term/word, I'd probably create something that was more inclusive (sexuality makes it seem like its only related to sexual attraction, whereas there is also emotional and spiritual connectedness that makes up the attraction).

So lets start the revolution - next time someone asks you about your 'sexual orientation' or your 'sexual preference', correct them and state that you prefer to use the term 'sexuality' or you 'sexual predisposition' - that goes for everybody, whether you're 'straight', 'gay', or anything in between!