I have read a lot of ranma fanfictions and theirs one thing that really bugs me, people can't decide on ranma's sexual preference.

I mean could the curse really change ones sexual preference. I have read many things that say that ones sexual preference is decided genetically. If the curse completely changes ranma into a female could it also make it so ranma was attracted to males? It is my belief that sexual preference is a choice. One is either attracted to males or females by choice and society. Depending on the place homosexuality can be accepted or rejected. Many people pick their sexual preference to fit into the social norm.

Sexual preference is not something one actively decides. There are dozens of subtle things that affect sexuality. First, would be hormones. Hormones, pheremones and all that work to draw you towards potential mates. There isn't anything yet scientifically proven but the way our bodies recieve pheremones and how our hormones react determine our basic sexual attraction. Everyone's body differs chemically so there is no certainty on whether or not these pheremones and hormones will be a big issue.

Another major factor is culture or society. I'm not necessarily saying if the culture is ok with it then you might be homosexual. However, most people inherently attempt to fit into the pre-established rules of society. Then there is the factor that society can be very cruel to those whom are different from the norm. Ranma is different from the norm and some might even see her/him as a freak. Varying from person to person, social outcasting, teasing or ridicule of such types can push them to be more inclined one way or another.

Then there is being open minded. I am very open minded myself, and with no established sexuality, I could easily go either way at this point in my life... or both :). But after I make a "Choice" as to my sexuality, the multitude of other factors come into play. Some more powerful than others, which way will I ultimately end up going. I personally don't think I could be a lesbian and even being bi is hard to see. It's not so much what society thinks to me at all but more of what my instincts tell me. My instincts and hormones tell me that men are the way to go :p.

So, as for Ranma's sexuality... If you have a good backstory that supports it, go whichever way you think works!

- Sarah

The genetic thing is mostly unfounded, its largly speculated to be hormonaly controlled,

Personaly I think its a variable thing. it can change over time and for innumerable reasons

Like you said it's all speculation. No one really knows what aspects affect one's sexual preference. There are many theories revolving around sexual preference, but few certain facts. It's my belief that it's defined by many things. It's part hormonal, partly affected by society, and many other properties.

It's NOT genetic, but it IS hormonally/phermonally controlled? How can that be? Hormones are chemicals produced by our body, which is developed in response to genetics and environment, so... the hormones that you produce ARE genetically predetermined. (And I'm having such deja vous (sp?) that I'm pretty sure I've made this comment to THIS poster in the past.)

Our conversation here is also perhaps too dichotomous to begin with. There are very few people who are 100% straight or 100% homosexual (though I suspect Ranma's character would vehemently disagree with this statement.) Though the Kinsey report is still considered very controversial, if he proved anything I think it was that sexual preference runs along a continuum and is not an either-or proposition. In other words, someone can be mostly attracted to men, but occasionally attracted to women, or vice-versa. I think in today's society, most such people would suppress their occasional 'unacceptable' attractions. I believe that's where the influence of society comes into play: in whether individuals admit all of their sexual feelings or accept in themselves only what is acceptable to others. In other words, being homosexual is not a choice; but acting on sexual desire for a person of the same sex, is. And given the choice - if there is one - most people would choose to see themselves as 'normal'. Of course, there are people who are really (almost) always attracted to the opposite gender, or the same gender. They don't have the luxury of choosing to suppress; the 'wrong' gender is always wrong for them.

As far as Ranma/Ranko's sexual preference, it gets hairy. Since Ranma was (presumably) a straight guy, he might be a straight girl, genetically, which would mean he'd be attracted to men whether he thought that was 'acceptable' and decided to repress, or not. That's the nature argument. The nurture argument would say that due to Ranma's environment, he would continue to be attracted to girls (again, presuming he was straight in the first place.)

My opinion? Ranma would end up being uncomfortable with a male or female partner - or throw his hands up in the air and decide to be comfortable with either/or. I consider the former to be far more consistent with his personality than the latter, but hope springs eternal.

-K

its a good point, but i think genetic would more be in reference to a genome that determained sexuality, hormones are definatly still on the nature side of the bit.

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