WikiFur - User contributions [en]

Sexual orientation

2008-01-25T01:44:48Z

Boingo: /* Social attitudes among furries */

{{cleanup}}
{{context}}
''This page is [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Orphan orphaned] since few other WikiFur articles link to it. [http://furry.wikia.com/wiki/WikiFur:About You can help!]''

[[Image:Gay_flag.png|right|thumb|150px|The rainbow flag associated with [[wikipedia:homosexuality|homosexuality]] in and out of the [[furry fandom|fandom]].]]
'''Sexual orientation''' describes the gender or genders that someone feels sexually attracted to. The term '''sexual preference''' is often used interchangably, but the term '''sexual preference''' is more broad and includes personal attitudes in between the three general categories defined as '''[[Wikipedia:sexual orientation|sexual orientations]]''': [[Wikipedia:Heterosexuality|'''Heterosexuality''']] describes an attraction to someone of the opposite gender. [[Wikipedia:Bisexuality|'''Bisexuality''']] is the sexual attraction to members of both sexes, [[male]] and [[female]]. [[wikipedia:homosexuality|'''Homosexuality''']] describes an attraction to someone of the same gender.

The term '''gay''' has three different meanings. First, it is occasionally used synonymously with '''homosexual'''. Second, and most oftenly, it is used to refer specifically to [[male|male/male]] attraction while the term '''[[Wikipedia:lesbian|lesbian]]''' refers to [[female|female/female]] attraction. Third, '''gay''' is sometimes used inaccurately to refer to both homosexuals and bisexuals.

[[non-furry|Non-furries]] generally believe the [[stereotype]] that a significantly larger proportion of the [[furry fandom]] is homosexual or bisexual compared to the general population.<ref name="rust"/> A lack of completely reliable survey data exists within both the fandom<ref name="rust"/> and the general population.<ref name="wiki"/> The studies that have been done suggest the [[stereotype]] is partially true, though not to the large extent that is often suggested.<ref name="rust"/> Furries have suggested various theories for this.

==Why does it seem that many furries are homosexual or bisexual?==
===Fandom surveys===

There are multiple estimates of the percentage of gays in the furry fandom. It is often thought within the fandom that the number is high, possibly as high as 90%,<ref name="rust"/> but polls have shown differences in estimation.

*A 2007 [[Wikipedia:University of California, Davis|University of California at Davis]] study found that 37.3% of respondents were bisexual, 32.7% heterosexual, 25.5% homosexual, and 8% were [[Wikipedia:questioning (sexuality)|uncertain]].<ref>[http://studyf3.livejournal.com/1383.html "Furry Survey Results"] from University of California, Davis: Department of Psychology. Published 2007-05-05. Accessed 2007-05-05.</ref>
* A poll used in ''[[The Sociology of Furry Fandom]]'', a 2002 paper by [[David J. Rust]] hosted at [http://www.visi.com/~phantos/furrysoc.html The Darken Hollow], showed 25% heterosexual, 19% homosexual, and 48% bisexual out of 360 peopled polled.<ref name="rust">[http://www.visi.com/~phantos/furrysoc.html The Sociology of Furry Fandom]. Retrieved October 19, 2006.</ref> Rust concluded that "Truth be told, there are many more homosexual members of the fandom than in general society."<ref name="rust"/>
* A poll (of indeterminable date, but before 2005) on the [[IFPL]] used the [[Wikipedia:Kinsey scale|Kinsey scale]] to rate the measure of homosexuality in respondents:
{| border="2" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;"
|-
|- style="background-color: #C6E3FF"
| 12.9%
| (63/487)
| 0
| Exclusively heterosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #A7B1EE"
| 18.3%
| (89/487)
| 1
| Predominately heterosexual, incidentally homosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #CBABE2"
| 18.7%
| (91/487)
| 2
| Predominately heterosexual, more than incidentally homosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #CF71EE"
| 14.8%
| (72/487)
| 3
| Equally heterosexual and homosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #DF99D4"
| 11.3%
| (55/487)
| 4
|Predominately homosexual, more than incidentally heterosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #F79FD1"
| 16.0%
| (78/487)
| 5
| Predominately homosexual, incidentally heterosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #FFB1D8"
| 8.0%
| (39/487)
| 6
| Exclusively homosexual
|}
* A 2006 [http://faod.org/ FAOD] poll showed 25% heterosexual, 20% homosexual, and 55% bisexual (out of 44 polled)<ref>[http://faod.org/index.php?topic=179.0 FAOD Message Board]</ref>.
* A [[Furtopia]] poll (open 2003 to present) stated that 53% were heterosexual, 15% gay, and 30% bisexual out of 862 people polled.<ref>[http://cgi.furtopia.org/cgi-bin/ib311/ikonboard.cgi?s=411086f03c728556d957bd1ffd9b528a;act=ST;f=77;t=9074 Furtopia Message Board] Retrieved September 5, 2007.</ref>.
* A [[Furry_Survey|poll]] by [[Alex Osaki]] reported that 42.75% were heterosexual, 16.86% were homosexual, 35.29% were bisexual, and 4.71% self-identified as neither.<ref>[http://www.klisoura.com/ot_furrysurvey.php Furry Poll Results] as of December 30, 2007.</ref>

===General surveys===
Estimates of the incidence of homosexuality in the general population vary greatly, due in part to the lack of reliable survey data and the difficulty in defining [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_orientation sexual orientations].<ref name="wiki">[[Wikipedia:Demographics of sexual orientation|Demographics of sexual orientation]] at [[Wikipedia]]. Retrieved September 28th, 2007.</ref> [[Wikipedia:Alfred Kinsey|Dr. Alfred Kinsey's]] work ''[[Wikipedia:Sexual Behavior in the Human Male|Sexual Behavior in the Human Male]]'' found that "46% of the male population had engaged in both heterosexual and homosexual activities, or "reacted to" persons of both sexes, in the course of their adult lives". In addition, the book stated that "10% of males in the sample were predominantly homosexual between the ages of 16 and 55".<ref>[http://www.kinseyinstitute.org/research/ak-data.html Research Summary] from the [http://www.kinseyinstitute.org Kinsey Institute].</ref> Kinsey's book, and its companion ''[[Wikipedia:Sexual Behavior in the Human Female|Sexual Behavior in the Human Female]]'', have received [[Wikipedia:Sexual Behavior in the Human Male#Criticism|vocal criticism]] for their findings and methodology.<ref>[http://www.leaderu.com/jhs/reisman.html "Kinsey and the Homosexual Revolution"] by [[Wikipedia: Judith Reisman|Dr. Judith Reisman]]</ref><ref>[http://www.swlearning.com/quant/kohler/stat/biographical_sketches/bio15.1.html Biography of Statician] [[Wikipedia:John Tukey|John W. Tukey]]</ref><ref>[[Wikipedia:American conservative|American conservative]] [[Wikipedia:magazine|magazine]] ''[[Wikipedia:Human Events|Human Events]]'' calls the Kinsey Report the fourth [http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=7591 Most Harmful Book of the 19th and 20th Centuries].</ref><ref>[[Wikipedia:Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]] [[Wikipedia:Higher education in the United States|educational association]] '''[[Wikipedia:Intercollegiate Studies Institute|The Intercollegiate Studies Institute]]''' called it "A pervert's attempt to demonstrate that perversion is "statistically"normal" and the third [http://www.mmisi.org/ir/35_01/50worst.pdf "Worst Book of the Century"].</ref> ''[[Wikipedia:The New York Times|The New York Times]]'' called his research "conscientious and comprehensive"<ref>Pomeroy, Wardell (1972). Dr. Kinsey and the Institute for Sex Research. New York: Harper & Row.</ref> and Professor [[Wikipedia:Martin Duberman|Martin Duberman]] called it "skillful" and "a monumental endeavor".<ref>[http://www.kinseyinstitute.org/publications/duberman.html Book review of] '''[http://www.amazon.com/Alfred-C-Kinsey-Public-Private/dp/0393040860 Alfred C. Kinsey : A Public/Private Life]''' originally published in ''[[Wikipedia:The Nation|The Nation]]''.</ref>

Several recent surveys done in [[Wikipedia:Western world|Western countries]] such as [[Wikipedia:Canada|Canada]], [[Wikipedia:Australia|Australia]], and the [[Wikipedia:United States|United States]] typically define between 1% and 10% of the general population, which an average around 5%, as homosexual or bisexual.<ref>[[Wikipedia:Demographics of sexual orientation|Demographics of sexual orientation]] at [[Wikipedia]]. Accessed December 31, 2007.</ref> The British government conducted a country-wide survey in 2005 as part of the [[Wikipedia:Civil_Partnership_Act_2004|''Civil Partnership Act'']]. This study, the only official government study of its kind, stated that 6% of the [[Wikipedia:United Kingdom|United Kingdom]] would be interested in forming a [[Wikipedia:civil union|civil union]].<ref>[http://www.nihe.gov.uk/publications/consultation_documents/Draft%20Policy%20Statement%20on%20SO%20Dec06.pdf Sexual Orientation Policy Statement Draft for Consultation] (pdf)</ref>

===Theories===
One viable theory involves [[Mark Merlino]], a former chair of [[ConFurence]] who co-founded the first furry [[conventions]]. [[Crush Yiff Destroy]] has suggested that Merlino actively recruited alternative lifestylers into the fandom, and that this influences furry demographics to this day.<ref>[http://www.crushyiffdestroy.com/show/merlino "Journey to the Center of Mark Merlino"]</ref>. Furries also guess that, since having a [[non-furry]] significant other and raising children may result in a fan having less time and money to devote to the fandom, gays are over-represented because they are less likely to be raising children.{{fact}} Some speculate that the negative [[Wikipedia:social stigma|social stigma]] [[Wikipedia:Furry fandom#Media coverage|attached to the fandom]] keeps away heterosexual [[mundanes]] who would otherwise feel interested. David Rust has stated that "The social variations for Furries may seem unusual from a generic, American viewpoint. However, from the position of a group of people who are already predisposed to enjoying anthropomorphic animals, other concepts such as homosexuality... seem somewhat mundane and unimportant by comparison."<ref name="rust"/>

Others guess that gays are not over-represented, but that they are simply much more likely to be open about their sexual orientation among their fellow fans than they are in other areas of their life.{{fact}}
One other theory is that the demographics of the fandom is reasonably close to the general population. It just happens that people who become furries, a [[Wikipedia:Coming out|'coming out']] of sorts, become more exposed to alternate lifestyles and may reconsider their own sexuality, which might result in a paralell [[Wikipedia:Coming out|'coming out']].{{fact}}

==Categorization==
The current [[Wikipedia:scientific consensus|scientific consensus]] advocated by various social and educational organizations<ref>such as the [[Wikipedia:American Psychiatric Association|American Psychiatric Association]], the [[Wikipedia:American Psychological Association|American Psychological Association]], the [[Wikipedia:American Counseling Association|American Counseling Association]], the [[Wikipedia:National Association of Social Workers|National Association of Social Workers]], the [[Wikipedia:American Academy of Pediatrics|American Academy of Pediatrics]], the [[Wikipedia:American Association of School Administrators|American Association of School Administrators]], the [[Wikipedia:American Federation of Teachers|American Federation of Teachers]], the [[Wikipedia:National Association of School Psychologists|National Association of School Psychologists]], and the [[Wikipedia:National Education Association|National Education Association]]</ref> is that people develop their own permanent, unchangeable [[Wikipedia:sexual orientation|sexual orientation]] within one of the three categories in their [[Wikipedia:childhood|early childhood]] as [[Wikipedia:Biology and sexual orientation|a combination of genetic tendencies and their social environment]].<ref>[http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbc/publications/justthefacts.html Just the Facts About Sexual Orientation & Youth: A Primer for Principals, Educators and School Personnel] 1999, American Psychological Association</ref>

A minority of researchers, sometimes known as [[Wikipedia:Queer theory|'queer theorists']], believe that the concept of sexual orientations is a [[Wikipedia:social construct|social construct]] and that people naturally exhibit a variety of attractions. [[Pressed Fur]] reports that some furries also subscribe to this view.<ref>[http://pressedfur.coolfreepages.com/essay/postvixen/index.html "Sitting On the Third Side of the Fence"] by Hannah Kincaid from [[Pressed Fur]]</ref> Although he did not advocate the social construct theory, [[Wikipedia:Alfred Kinsey|Dr. Alfred Kinsey]] stated that "[[Males]] do not represent two discrete populations, heterosexual and homosexual... The living world is a continuum in each and every one of its aspects."<ref name="scale">[http://www.kinseyinstitute.org/research/ak-hhscale.html "Kinsey's Heterosexual-Homosexual Rating Scale"] from the [http://www.kinseyinstitute.org Kinsey Institute].</ref> He postulated a [[Wikipedia:Kinsey Scale|scale]] of sexual preferences from zero to six, zero being exclusively heterosexual.<ref name="scale"/>

==Social attitudes among furries==
''[[The Sociology of Furry Fandom]]'', a 2002 paper by [[David J. Rust]] hosted at [http://www.visi.com/~phantos/furrysoc.html The Darken Hollow], found that "race, religion and sexual orientation (as divisive factors) are simply too minor to attract any real attention" and that furries have "higher tolerance for variety in sexual orientation and activity".<ref name="rust"/>

A small yet significant minority of furries self-identify as [[Christian furs|Christian]].<ref name="rust"/> Some of them believe in the [[Wikipedia:the bible and homosexuality|traditional Christian view]] that homosexual conduct is immoral and that homosexuals should be [[Wikipedia:celibacy|celibate]].<ref>[http://community.livejournal.com/furrychristians/ Many furries of 'furrychristian's take this view].</ref> Other [[Christian furs]] believe that the Bible verses and [[Wikipedia:sacred tradition|sacred traditions]] cited against homosexuality are misinterpreted.<ref name="ark">[http://community.livejournal.com/rainbow_ark The furries of] '[[Rainbow Ark]]' [http://community.livejournal.com/rainbow_ark/profile take this view]</ref> Both sides maintain a cordial relationship with each other and try to promote mutual understanding.<ref name="ark"/> [http://www.gaychristian.net/greatdebate.php This website] summarizes the arguments in the debate.

== References ==
<references/>

[[Category:Relationship terms]]
[[Category:Sociology]]

Sexual orientation

2008-01-06T17:27:47Z

Boingo:

{{cleanup}}
{{context}}
''This page is [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Orphan orphaned] since few other WikiFur articles link to it. [http://furry.wikia.com/wiki/WikiFur:About You can help!]''

[[Image:Gay_flag.png|right|thumb|150px|The rainbow flag associated with [[wikipedia:homosexuality|homosexuality]] in and out of the [[furry fandom|fandom]].]]
'''Sexual orientation''' describes the gender or genders that someone feels sexually attracted to. The term '''sexual preference''' is often used interchangably, but the term '''sexual preference''' is more broad and includes personal attitudes in between the three general categories defined as '''[[Wikipedia:sexual orientation|sexual orientations]]''': [[Wikipedia:Heterosexuality|'''Heterosexuality''']] describes an attraction to someone of the opposite gender. [[Wikipedia:Bisexuality|'''Bisexuality''']] is the sexual attraction to members of both sexes, [[male]] and [[female]]. [[wikipedia:homosexuality|'''Homosexuality''']] describes an attraction to someone of the same gender.

The term '''gay''' has three different meanings. First, it is occasionally used synonymously with '''homosexual'''. Second, and most oftenly, it is used to refer specifically to [[male|male/male]] attraction while the term '''[[Wikipedia:lesbian|lesbian]]''' refers to [[female|female/female]] attraction. Third, '''gay''' is sometimes used inaccurately to refer to both homosexuals and bisexuals.

[[non-furry|Non-furries]] generally believe the [[stereotype]] that a significantly larger proportion of the [[furry fandom]] is homosexual or bisexual compared to the general population.<ref name="rust"/> A lack of completely reliable survey data exists within both the fandom<ref name="rust"/> and the general population.<ref name="wiki"/> The studies that have been done suggest the [[stereotype]] is partially true, though not to the large extent that is often suggested.<ref name="rust"/> Furries have suggested various theories for this.

==Why does it seem that many furries are homosexual or bisexual?==
===Fandom surveys===

There are multiple estimates of the percentage of gays in the furry fandom. It is often thought within the fandom that the number is high, possibly as high as 90%,<ref name="rust"/> but polls have shown differences in estimation.

*A 2007 [[Wikipedia:University of California, Davis|University of California at Davis]] study found that 37.3% of respondents were bisexual, 32.7% heterosexual, 25.5% homosexual, and 8% were [[Wikipedia:questioning (sexuality)|uncertain]].<ref>[http://studyf3.livejournal.com/1383.html "Furry Survey Results"] from University of California, Davis: Department of Psychology. Published 2007-05-05. Accessed 2007-05-05.</ref>
* A poll used in ''[[The Sociology of Furry Fandom]]'', a 2002 paper by [[David J. Rust]] hosted at [http://www.visi.com/~phantos/furrysoc.html The Darken Hollow], showed 25% heterosexual, 19% homosexual, and 48% bisexual out of 360 peopled polled.<ref name="rust">[http://www.visi.com/~phantos/furrysoc.html The Sociology of Furry Fandom]. Retrieved October 19, 2006.</ref> Rust concluded that "Truth be told, there are many more homosexual members of the fandom than in general society."<ref name="rust"/>
* A poll (of indeterminable date, but before 2005) on the [[IFPL]] used the [[Wikipedia:Kinsey scale|Kinsey scale]] to rate the measure of homosexuality in respondents:
{| border="2" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;"
|-
|- style="background-color: #C6E3FF"
| 12.9%
| (63/487)
| 0
| Exclusively heterosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #A7B1EE"
| 18.3%
| (89/487)
| 1
| Predominately heterosexual, incidentally homosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #CBABE2"
| 18.7%
| (91/487)
| 2
| Predominately heterosexual, more than incidentally homosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #CF71EE"
| 14.8%
| (72/487)
| 3
| Equally heterosexual and homosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #DF99D4"
| 11.3%
| (55/487)
| 4
|Predominately homosexual, more than incidentally heterosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #F79FD1"
| 16.0%
| (78/487)
| 5
| Predominately homosexual, incidentally heterosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #FFB1D8"
| 8.0%
| (39/487)
| 6
| Exclusively homosexual
|}
* A 2006 [http://faod.org/ FAOD] poll showed 25% heterosexual, 20% homosexual, and 55% bisexual (out of 44 polled)<ref>[http://faod.org/index.php?topic=179.0 FAOD Message Board]</ref>.
* A [[Furtopia]] poll (open 2003 to present) stated that 53% were heterosexual, 15% gay, and 30% bisexual out of 862 people polled.<ref>[http://cgi.furtopia.org/cgi-bin/ib311/ikonboard.cgi?s=411086f03c728556d957bd1ffd9b528a;act=ST;f=77;t=9074 Furtopia Message Board] Retrieved September 5, 2007.</ref>.
* A [[Furry_Survey|poll]] by [[Alex Osaki]] reported that 42.75% were heterosexual, 16.86% were homosexual, 35.29% were bisexual, and 4.71% self-identified as neither.<ref>[http://www.klisoura.com/ot_furrysurvey.php Furry Poll Results] as of December 30, 2007.</ref>

===General surveys===
Estimates of the incidence of homosexuality in the general population vary greatly, due in part to the lack of reliable survey data and the difficulty in defining [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_orientation sexual orientations].<ref name="wiki">[[Wikipedia:Demographics of sexual orientation|Demographics of sexual orientation]] at [[Wikipedia]]. Retrieved September 28th, 2007.</ref> [[Wikipedia:Alfred Kinsey|Dr. Alfred Kinsey's]] work ''[[Wikipedia:Sexual Behavior in the Human Male|Sexual Behavior in the Human Male]]'' found that "46% of the male population had engaged in both heterosexual and homosexual activities, or "reacted to" persons of both sexes, in the course of their adult lives". In addition, the book stated that "10% of males in the sample were predominantly homosexual between the ages of 16 and 55".<ref>[http://www.kinseyinstitute.org/research/ak-data.html Research Summary] from the [http://www.kinseyinstitute.org Kinsey Institute].</ref> Kinsey's book, and its companion ''[[Wikipedia:Sexual Behavior in the Human Female|Sexual Behavior in the Human Female]]'', have received [[Wikipedia:Sexual Behavior in the Human Male#Criticism|vocal criticism]] for their findings and methodology.<ref>[http://www.leaderu.com/jhs/reisman.html "Kinsey and the Homosexual Revolution"] by [[Wikipedia: Judith Reisman|Dr. Judith Reisman]]</ref><ref>[http://www.swlearning.com/quant/kohler/stat/biographical_sketches/bio15.1.html Biography of Statician] [[Wikipedia:John Tukey|John W. Tukey]]</ref><ref>[[Wikipedia:American conservative|American conservative]] [[Wikipedia:magazine|magazine]] ''[[Wikipedia:Human Events|Human Events]]'' calls the Kinsey Report the fourth [http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=7591 Most Harmful Book of the 19th and 20th Centuries].</ref><ref>[[Wikipedia:Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]] [[Wikipedia:Higher education in the United States|educational association]] '''[[Wikipedia:Intercollegiate Studies Institute|The Intercollegiate Studies Institute]]''' called it "A pervert's attempt to demonstrate that perversion is "statistically"normal" and the third [http://www.mmisi.org/ir/35_01/50worst.pdf "Worst Book of the Century"].</ref> ''[[Wikipedia:The New York Times|The New York Times]]'' called his research "conscientious and comprehensive"<ref>Pomeroy, Wardell (1972). Dr. Kinsey and the Institute for Sex Research. New York: Harper & Row.</ref> and Professor [[Wikipedia:Martin Duberman|Martin Duberman]] called it "skillful" and "a monumental endeavor".<ref>[http://www.kinseyinstitute.org/publications/duberman.html Book review of] '''[http://www.amazon.com/Alfred-C-Kinsey-Public-Private/dp/0393040860 Alfred C. Kinsey : A Public/Private Life]''' originally published in ''[[Wikipedia:The Nation|The Nation]]''.</ref>

Several recent surveys done in [[Wikipedia:Western world|Western countries]] such as [[Wikipedia:Canada|Canada]], [[Wikipedia:Australia|Australia]], and the [[Wikipedia:United States|United States]] typically define between 1% and 10% of the general population, which an average around 5%, as homosexual or bisexual.<ref>[[Wikipedia:Demographics of sexual orientation|Demographics of sexual orientation]] at [[Wikipedia]]. Accessed December 31, 2007.</ref> The British government conducted a country-wide survey in 2005 as part of the [[Wikipedia:Civil_Partnership_Act_2004|''Civil Partnership Act'']]. This study, the only official government study of its kind, stated that 6% of the [[Wikipedia:United Kingdom|United Kingdom]] would be interested in forming a [[Wikipedia:civil union|civil union]].<ref>[http://www.nihe.gov.uk/publications/consultation_documents/Draft%20Policy%20Statement%20on%20SO%20Dec06.pdf Sexual Orientation Policy Statement Draft for Consultation] (pdf)</ref>

===Theories===
One viable theory involves [[Mark Merlino]], a former chair of [[ConFurence]] who co-founded the first furry [[conventions]]. [[Crush Yiff Destroy]] has suggested that Merlino actively recruited alternative lifestylers into the fandom, and that this influences furry demographics to this day.<ref>[http://www.crushyiffdestroy.com/show/merlino "Journey to the Center of Mark Merlino"]</ref>. Furries also guess that, since having a [[non-furry]] significant other and raising children may result in a fan having less time and money to devote to the fandom, gays are over-represented because they are less likely to be raising children.{{fact}} Some speculate that the negative [[Wikipedia:social stigma|social stigma]] [[Wikipedia:Furry fandom#Media coverage|attached to the fandom]] keeps away heterosexual [[mundanes]] who would otherwise feel interested. David Rust has stated that "The social variations for Furries may seem unusual from a generic, American viewpoint. However, from the position of a group of people who are already predisposed to enjoying anthropomorphic animals, other concepts such as homosexuality... seem somewhat mundane and unimportant by comparison."<ref name="rust"/>

Others guess that gays are not over-represented, but that they are simply much more likely to be open about their sexual orientation among their fellow fans than they are in other areas of their life.{{fact}}
One other theory is that the demographics of the fandom is reasonably close to the general population. It just happens that people who become furries, a [[Wikipedia:Coming out|'coming out']] of sorts, become more exposed to alternate lifestyles and may reconsider their own sexuality, which might result in a paralell [[Wikipedia:Coming out|'coming out']].{{fact}}

==Categorization==
The current [[Wikipedia:scientific consensus|scientific consensus]] advocated by various social and educational organizations<ref>such as the [[Wikipedia:American Psychiatric Association|American Psychiatric Association]], the [[Wikipedia:American Psychological Association|American Psychological Association]], the [[Wikipedia:American Counseling Association|American Counseling Association]], the [[Wikipedia:National Association of Social Workers|National Association of Social Workers]], the [[Wikipedia:American Academy of Pediatrics|American Academy of Pediatrics]], the [[Wikipedia:American Association of School Administrators|American Association of School Administrators]], the [[Wikipedia:American Federation of Teachers|American Federation of Teachers]], the [[Wikipedia:National Association of School Psychologists|National Association of School Psychologists]], and the [[Wikipedia:National Education Association|National Education Association]]</ref> is that people develop their own permanent, unchangeable [[Wikipedia:sexual orientation|sexual orientation]] within one of the three categories in their [[Wikipedia:childhood|early childhood]] as [[Wikipedia:Biology and sexual orientation|a combination of genetic tendencies and their social environment]].<ref>[http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbc/publications/justthefacts.html Just the Facts About Sexual Orientation & Youth: A Primer for Principals, Educators and School Personnel] 1999, American Psychological Association</ref>

A minority of researchers, sometimes known as [[Wikipedia:Queer theory|'queer theorists']], believe that the concept of sexual orientations is a [[Wikipedia:social construct|social construct]] and that people naturally exhibit a variety of attractions. [[Pressed Fur]] reports that some furries also subscribe to this view.<ref>[http://pressedfur.coolfreepages.com/essay/postvixen/index.html "Sitting On the Third Side of the Fence"] by Hannah Kincaid from [[Pressed Fur]]</ref> Although he did not advocate the social construct theory, [[Wikipedia:Alfred Kinsey|Dr. Alfred Kinsey]] stated that "[[Males]] do not represent two discrete populations, heterosexual and homosexual... The living world is a continuum in each and every one of its aspects."<ref name="scale">[http://www.kinseyinstitute.org/research/ak-hhscale.html "Kinsey's Heterosexual-Homosexual Rating Scale"] from the [http://www.kinseyinstitute.org Kinsey Institute].</ref> He postulated a [[Wikipedia:Kinsey Scale|scale]] of sexual preferences from zero to six, zero being exclusively heterosexual.<ref name="scale"/>

==Social attitudes among furries==
''[[The Sociology of Furry Fandom]]'', a 2002 paper by [[David J. Rust]] hosted at [http://www.visi.com/~phantos/furrysoc.html The Darken Hollow], found that "race, religion and sexual orientation (as divisive factors) are simply too minor to attract any real attention" and that furries have "higher tolerance for variety in sexual orientation and activity".<ref name="rust"/>

A small yet significant minority of furries self-identify as [[Christian furs|Christian]].<ref name="rust"/> Some of them believe in the [[Wikipedia:the bible and homosexuality|traditional Christian view]] that homosexual conduct is immoral and that homosexuals should be [[Wikipedia:celibacy|celibate]]. Other [[Christian furs]] believe that the Bible verses and [[Wikipedia:sacred tradition|sacred traditions]] cited against homosexuality are misinterpreted.<ref name="ark">[http://community.livejournal.com/rainbow_ark The furries of] '[[Rainbow Ark]]' [http://community.livejournal.com/rainbow_ark/profile take this view]</ref> Both sides maintain a cordial relationship with each other and try to promote mutual understanding.<ref name="ark"/> [http://www.gaychristian.net/greatdebate.php This website] summarizes the arguments in the debate.

== References ==
<references/>

[[Category:Relationship terms]]
[[Category:Sociology]]

Sexual orientation

2008-01-06T17:26:15Z

Boingo: modifing the lead a little bit to be consistent with the page's title

{{cleanup}}
{{context}}
''This page is [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Orphan orphaned] since few other WikiFur articles link to it. [http://furry.wikia.com/wiki/WikiFur:About You can help!]''

[[Image:Gay_flag.png|right|thumb|150px|The rainbow flag associated with [[wikipedia:homosexuality|homosexuality]] in and out of the [[furry fandom|fandom]].]]
'''Sexual orientation''' describes the gender or genders that someone feels sexually attracted to. The term '''sexual preference''' is often used interchangably, but the term 'sexual preference' is more broad and includes personal attitudes in between the three general categories defined as '[[Wikipedia:sexual orientation|sexual orientations]]': [[Wikipedia:Heterosexuality|'''Heterosexuality''']] describes an attraction to someone of the opposite gender. [[Wikipedia:Bisexuality|'''Bisexuality''']] is the sexual attraction to members of both sexes, [[male]] and [[female]]. [[wikipedia:homosexuality|'''Homosexuality''']] describes an attraction to someone of the same gender.

The term '''gay''' has three different meanings. First, it is occasionally used synonymously with '''homosexual'''. Second, and most oftenly, it is used to refer specifically to [[male|male/male]] attraction while the term '''[[Wikipedia:lesbian|lesbian]]''' refers to [[female|female/female]] attraction. Third, '''gay''' is sometimes used inaccurately to refer to both homosexuals and bisexuals.

[[non-furry|Non-furries]] generally believe the [[stereotype]] that a significantly larger proportion of the [[furry fandom]] is homosexual or bisexual compared to the general population.<ref name="rust"/> A lack of completely reliable survey data exists within both the fandom<ref name="rust"/> and the general population.<ref name="wiki"/> The studies that have been done suggest the [[stereotype]] is partially true, though not to the large extent that is often suggested.<ref name="rust"/> Furries have suggested various theories for this.

==Why does it seem that many furries are homosexual or bisexual?==
===Fandom surveys===

There are multiple estimates of the percentage of gays in the furry fandom. It is often thought within the fandom that the number is high, possibly as high as 90%,<ref name="rust"/> but polls have shown differences in estimation.

*A 2007 [[Wikipedia:University of California, Davis|University of California at Davis]] study found that 37.3% of respondents were bisexual, 32.7% heterosexual, 25.5% homosexual, and 8% were [[Wikipedia:questioning (sexuality)|uncertain]].<ref>[http://studyf3.livejournal.com/1383.html "Furry Survey Results"] from University of California, Davis: Department of Psychology. Published 2007-05-05. Accessed 2007-05-05.</ref>
* A poll used in ''[[The Sociology of Furry Fandom]]'', a 2002 paper by [[David J. Rust]] hosted at [http://www.visi.com/~phantos/furrysoc.html The Darken Hollow], showed 25% heterosexual, 19% homosexual, and 48% bisexual out of 360 peopled polled.<ref name="rust">[http://www.visi.com/~phantos/furrysoc.html The Sociology of Furry Fandom]. Retrieved October 19, 2006.</ref> Rust concluded that "Truth be told, there are many more homosexual members of the fandom than in general society."<ref name="rust"/>
* A poll (of indeterminable date, but before 2005) on the [[IFPL]] used the [[Wikipedia:Kinsey scale|Kinsey scale]] to rate the measure of homosexuality in respondents:
{| border="2" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;"
|-
|- style="background-color: #C6E3FF"
| 12.9%
| (63/487)
| 0
| Exclusively heterosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #A7B1EE"
| 18.3%
| (89/487)
| 1
| Predominately heterosexual, incidentally homosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #CBABE2"
| 18.7%
| (91/487)
| 2
| Predominately heterosexual, more than incidentally homosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #CF71EE"
| 14.8%
| (72/487)
| 3
| Equally heterosexual and homosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #DF99D4"
| 11.3%
| (55/487)
| 4
|Predominately homosexual, more than incidentally heterosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #F79FD1"
| 16.0%
| (78/487)
| 5
| Predominately homosexual, incidentally heterosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #FFB1D8"
| 8.0%
| (39/487)
| 6
| Exclusively homosexual
|}
* A 2006 [http://faod.org/ FAOD] poll showed 25% heterosexual, 20% homosexual, and 55% bisexual (out of 44 polled)<ref>[http://faod.org/index.php?topic=179.0 FAOD Message Board]</ref>.
* A [[Furtopia]] poll (open 2003 to present) stated that 53% were heterosexual, 15% gay, and 30% bisexual out of 862 people polled.<ref>[http://cgi.furtopia.org/cgi-bin/ib311/ikonboard.cgi?s=411086f03c728556d957bd1ffd9b528a;act=ST;f=77;t=9074 Furtopia Message Board] Retrieved September 5, 2007.</ref>.
* A [[Furry_Survey|poll]] by [[Alex Osaki]] reported that 42.75% were heterosexual, 16.86% were homosexual, 35.29% were bisexual, and 4.71% self-identified as neither.<ref>[http://www.klisoura.com/ot_furrysurvey.php Furry Poll Results] as of December 30, 2007.</ref>

===General surveys===
Estimates of the incidence of homosexuality in the general population vary greatly, due in part to the lack of reliable survey data and the difficulty in defining [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_orientation sexual orientations].<ref name="wiki">[[Wikipedia:Demographics of sexual orientation|Demographics of sexual orientation]] at [[Wikipedia]]. Retrieved September 28th, 2007.</ref> [[Wikipedia:Alfred Kinsey|Dr. Alfred Kinsey's]] work ''[[Wikipedia:Sexual Behavior in the Human Male|Sexual Behavior in the Human Male]]'' found that "46% of the male population had engaged in both heterosexual and homosexual activities, or "reacted to" persons of both sexes, in the course of their adult lives". In addition, the book stated that "10% of males in the sample were predominantly homosexual between the ages of 16 and 55".<ref>[http://www.kinseyinstitute.org/research/ak-data.html Research Summary] from the [http://www.kinseyinstitute.org Kinsey Institute].</ref> Kinsey's book, and its companion ''[[Wikipedia:Sexual Behavior in the Human Female|Sexual Behavior in the Human Female]]'', have received [[Wikipedia:Sexual Behavior in the Human Male#Criticism|vocal criticism]] for their findings and methodology.<ref>[http://www.leaderu.com/jhs/reisman.html "Kinsey and the Homosexual Revolution"] by [[Wikipedia: Judith Reisman|Dr. Judith Reisman]]</ref><ref>[http://www.swlearning.com/quant/kohler/stat/biographical_sketches/bio15.1.html Biography of Statician] [[Wikipedia:John Tukey|John W. Tukey]]</ref><ref>[[Wikipedia:American conservative|American conservative]] [[Wikipedia:magazine|magazine]] ''[[Wikipedia:Human Events|Human Events]]'' calls the Kinsey Report the fourth [http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=7591 Most Harmful Book of the 19th and 20th Centuries].</ref><ref>[[Wikipedia:Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]] [[Wikipedia:Higher education in the United States|educational association]] '''[[Wikipedia:Intercollegiate Studies Institute|The Intercollegiate Studies Institute]]''' called it "A pervert's attempt to demonstrate that perversion is "statistically"normal" and the third [http://www.mmisi.org/ir/35_01/50worst.pdf "Worst Book of the Century"].</ref> ''[[Wikipedia:The New York Times|The New York Times]]'' called his research "conscientious and comprehensive"<ref>Pomeroy, Wardell (1972). Dr. Kinsey and the Institute for Sex Research. New York: Harper & Row.</ref> and Professor [[Wikipedia:Martin Duberman|Martin Duberman]] called it "skillful" and "a monumental endeavor".<ref>[http://www.kinseyinstitute.org/publications/duberman.html Book review of] '''[http://www.amazon.com/Alfred-C-Kinsey-Public-Private/dp/0393040860 Alfred C. Kinsey : A Public/Private Life]''' originally published in ''[[Wikipedia:The Nation|The Nation]]''.</ref>

Several recent surveys done in [[Wikipedia:Western world|Western countries]] such as [[Wikipedia:Canada|Canada]], [[Wikipedia:Australia|Australia]], and the [[Wikipedia:United States|United States]] typically define between 1% and 10% of the general population, which an average around 5%, as homosexual or bisexual.<ref>[[Wikipedia:Demographics of sexual orientation|Demographics of sexual orientation]] at [[Wikipedia]]. Accessed December 31, 2007.</ref> The British government conducted a country-wide survey in 2005 as part of the [[Wikipedia:Civil_Partnership_Act_2004|''Civil Partnership Act'']]. This study, the only official government study of its kind, stated that 6% of the [[Wikipedia:United Kingdom|United Kingdom]] would be interested in forming a [[Wikipedia:civil union|civil union]].<ref>[http://www.nihe.gov.uk/publications/consultation_documents/Draft%20Policy%20Statement%20on%20SO%20Dec06.pdf Sexual Orientation Policy Statement Draft for Consultation] (pdf)</ref>

===Theories===
One viable theory involves [[Mark Merlino]], a former chair of [[ConFurence]] who co-founded the first furry [[conventions]]. [[Crush Yiff Destroy]] has suggested that Merlino actively recruited alternative lifestylers into the fandom, and that this influences furry demographics to this day.<ref>[http://www.crushyiffdestroy.com/show/merlino "Journey to the Center of Mark Merlino"]</ref>. Furries also guess that, since having a [[non-furry]] significant other and raising children may result in a fan having less time and money to devote to the fandom, gays are over-represented because they are less likely to be raising children.{{fact}} Some speculate that the negative [[Wikipedia:social stigma|social stigma]] [[Wikipedia:Furry fandom#Media coverage|attached to the fandom]] keeps away heterosexual [[mundanes]] who would otherwise feel interested. David Rust has stated that "The social variations for Furries may seem unusual from a generic, American viewpoint. However, from the position of a group of people who are already predisposed to enjoying anthropomorphic animals, other concepts such as homosexuality... seem somewhat mundane and unimportant by comparison."<ref name="rust"/>

Others guess that gays are not over-represented, but that they are simply much more likely to be open about their sexual orientation among their fellow fans than they are in other areas of their life.{{fact}}
One other theory is that the demographics of the fandom is reasonably close to the general population. It just happens that people who become furries, a [[Wikipedia:Coming out|'coming out']] of sorts, become more exposed to alternate lifestyles and may reconsider their own sexuality, which might result in a paralell [[Wikipedia:Coming out|'coming out']].{{fact}}

==Categorization==
The current [[Wikipedia:scientific consensus|scientific consensus]] advocated by various social and educational organizations<ref>such as the [[Wikipedia:American Psychiatric Association|American Psychiatric Association]], the [[Wikipedia:American Psychological Association|American Psychological Association]], the [[Wikipedia:American Counseling Association|American Counseling Association]], the [[Wikipedia:National Association of Social Workers|National Association of Social Workers]], the [[Wikipedia:American Academy of Pediatrics|American Academy of Pediatrics]], the [[Wikipedia:American Association of School Administrators|American Association of School Administrators]], the [[Wikipedia:American Federation of Teachers|American Federation of Teachers]], the [[Wikipedia:National Association of School Psychologists|National Association of School Psychologists]], and the [[Wikipedia:National Education Association|National Education Association]]</ref> is that people develop their own permanent, unchangeable [[Wikipedia:sexual orientation|sexual orientation]] within one of the three categories in their [[Wikipedia:childhood|early childhood]] as [[Wikipedia:Biology and sexual orientation|a combination of genetic tendencies and their social environment]].<ref>[http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbc/publications/justthefacts.html Just the Facts About Sexual Orientation & Youth: A Primer for Principals, Educators and School Personnel] 1999, American Psychological Association</ref>

A minority of researchers, sometimes known as [[Wikipedia:Queer theory|'queer theorists']], believe that the concept of sexual orientations is a [[Wikipedia:social construct|social construct]] and that people naturally exhibit a variety of attractions. [[Pressed Fur]] reports that some furries also subscribe to this view.<ref>[http://pressedfur.coolfreepages.com/essay/postvixen/index.html "Sitting On the Third Side of the Fence"] by Hannah Kincaid from [[Pressed Fur]]</ref> Although he did not advocate the social construct theory, [[Wikipedia:Alfred Kinsey|Dr. Alfred Kinsey]] stated that "[[Males]] do not represent two discrete populations, heterosexual and homosexual... The living world is a continuum in each and every one of its aspects."<ref name="scale">[http://www.kinseyinstitute.org/research/ak-hhscale.html "Kinsey's Heterosexual-Homosexual Rating Scale"] from the [http://www.kinseyinstitute.org Kinsey Institute].</ref> He postulated a [[Wikipedia:Kinsey Scale|scale]] of sexual preferences from zero to six, zero being exclusively heterosexual.<ref name="scale"/>

==Social attitudes among furries==
''[[The Sociology of Furry Fandom]]'', a 2002 paper by [[David J. Rust]] hosted at [http://www.visi.com/~phantos/furrysoc.html The Darken Hollow], found that "race, religion and sexual orientation (as divisive factors) are simply too minor to attract any real attention" and that furries have "higher tolerance for variety in sexual orientation and activity".<ref name="rust"/>

A small yet significant minority of furries self-identify as [[Christian furs|Christian]].<ref name="rust"/> Some of them believe in the [[Wikipedia:the bible and homosexuality|traditional Christian view]] that homosexual conduct is immoral and that homosexuals should be [[Wikipedia:celibacy|celibate]]. Other [[Christian furs]] believe that the Bible verses and [[Wikipedia:sacred tradition|sacred traditions]] cited against homosexuality are misinterpreted.<ref name="ark">[http://community.livejournal.com/rainbow_ark The furries of] '[[Rainbow Ark]]' [http://community.livejournal.com/rainbow_ark/profile take this view]</ref> Both sides maintain a cordial relationship with each other and try to promote mutual understanding.<ref name="ark"/> [http://www.gaychristian.net/greatdebate.php This website] summarizes the arguments in the debate.

== References ==
<references/>

[[Category:Relationship terms]]
[[Category:Sociology]]

Talk:Sexual orientation

2008-01-06T04:02:00Z

Boingo: /* Is it too far out... */ new section

Sorry, that last edit was me. --Brody

==Incorrect data==

I just added all of the percentages together on the Kinsey scale chart because I was thinking about making a cumulative frequency table for it or something, but I found that the percentages only add up to 97% when they should add up to 100%, so could we correct this please? Thanks.

{|
| Kinsey rank
| Percentage
| Cumulative freq.
|-
| 0
| 12
| 12
|-
| 1
| 18
| 30
|-
| 2
| 18
| 48
|-
| 3
| 14
| 62
|-
| 4
| 11
| 73
|-
| 5
| 16
| 89
|-
| 6
| 8
| 97
|-
| Total:
| 97%
| 97%
|}

[[User:Shia|Shia]] 17:06, 28 May 2006 (UTC)

:It's just because they've been rounded down (like 12.9 -> 12). I'll add in the decimal points. --[[User:GreenReaper|GreenReaper]]([[User talk:GreenReaper|talk]]) 07:04, 29 May 2006 (UTC)

== FAOD Poll ==

Is a web-poll with 44 responses statistically solid? Granted it's always difficult to get well-sampled and unbiased results about highly personal topics, but with fewer than a hundred or so responses and the fact that polls within a community tend to be unavoidably self-selecting there's so much potential bias in either direction that they could arguably be considered anecdotal. --[[User:Riismo|Riismo]] 22:21, 5 September 2007 (UTC)

== Some observations ==

Here are a few observations and speculations I've made regarding homosexuality in furry fandom. Feel free to mull over these and offer any suggestions on whether you think they're accurate or not, and if so, whether they should be incorporated into the article (I am using the term "gays" throughout to represent both genders):
*The polls quoted here, and at least one other I'm aware of, suggest that the proportion of gays in furry fandom is approximately three times the proportion of gays in the general population;
*If that figure seems low, I can think of a few reasons why it might seem to be much higher:
**Gays are much more likely to be open about their sexual orientation among their fellow furry fans than they are in other areas of their life, such as school and the workplace. Statistically it may be true that 5-10% of the people at my workplace are gay, but I seldom find out who they are. The proportion of gays among furries may only be 3x what it is in my workplace, but the proportion of gays ''that I know about'' is far greater;
**Having a non-furry S.O. and having children (whether natural, adopted, or foster) are two factors that often result in a fan having less time and money to devote to things furry, and having to limit one's involvement due to other priorities. Gays are more likely than straight folk to have an S.O. who is also a furry fan, and are less likely than straight folk to be raising children (Granted, every individual's situation is different, but averaged over a large number of people I would be surprised if this is not the case);
*Gays already have to deal with the idea that one major area of their lives goes against what is considered normal by a large segment of society. As such, the idea of having an interest that some would consider unusual or weird is not as big a leap as it is for someone who hasn't been down that road;
*How much greater is the awareness of the existence of furry fandom among gays compared to straights? I honestly don't know, but if more people among any demographic (such as gays) knows of the existence of furry fandom, it follows that more people from among that group would become furry fans.
--[[User:Mwalimu|mwalimu]] 20:05, 10 September 2007 (UTC)

== Some thoughts ==

*Wouldn't it be nice if the table had each row color-coded? With the top one a certain solid color, the bottom one another solid color, and the middle row a blend of the two? I suggest a red-blue or a yellow-blue pattern.* I have no idea how to do this, but the syntax might be on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Table#Examples this wiki help page].

*Dr.Kinsey's ''Sexual Behavior in the Human Male'' found that "46% of the male population had engaged in both heterosexual and homosexual activities, or "reacted to" persons of both sexes, in the course of their adult lives". In addition, "Kinsey said in both the Male and Female volumes that it was impossible to determine the number of persons who are "homosexual" or "heterosexual". It was only possible to determine behavior at any given time"- "10% of males in the sample were predominantly homosexual between the ages of 16 and 55". See [http://www.kinseyinstitute.org/research/ak-data.html this page].

*Am I arguing that furry fandom is represenative of the general population? No. However, I think that the article really needs some necessary context. In the world [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAH_mjLhreE that most people live in], someone with the genetic background/social background of a 1/2, 1, 2, or a 2 1/2- et cetera- would probably self-identify as 'straight' throughout their life. The same might not be true for furries.**

<nowiki>*</nowiki> One could argue that the color red signifies 'bad' or the color yellow signifies 'sickly'. I don't know. It's just a suggestion.

<nowiki>**</nowiki> I say "might" because, well, how would [[mundane|I]] know?
[[User:Boingo|Boingo]] 05:13, 26 December 2007 (UTC)

== Gay->Sexual preference? ==

This use to be the [[Gay]] article (?.) Why try to overwrite the original entry with another subject instead of starting a new one ("Sexual preference",) and migrate the pertinent ("Gay") data to it?.

Now, you got an article with several subjects/ideas/opinions trying to make a (several) point(s) while making none (i.e "''the term 'sexual preference' is more broad and includes personal attitudes in between the '''three''' general categories defined as sexual orientations,...''" Three, but the following paragraph now lists five,)...

This article seems to be in a dire need of a top to bottom cleanup/revamp =P [[User:Spirou|Spirou]] 01:31, 3 January 2008 (UTC)

:...And, why so many redirects for a single article? ¬_¬ [[User:Spirou|Spirou]] 01:45, 3 January 2008 (UTC)

::I merged 'heterosexual' and 'bisexual' into 'homosexual' since the two articles were one-/two-sentences stubs with little hope of future content. None of the information that was in the original 'homosexual' article has been removed. [[User:Boingo|Boingo]] 01:53, 3 January 2008 (UTC)

::I don't see what specifically needs to be cleaned-up besides the lead paragraph, which I fiddled with a little bit. What sections need revising? [[User:Boingo|Boingo]] 02:05, 3 January 2008 (UTC)

::::In very simple terms:
*'''Lead paragraph''': What Sexual preference is (very brief initial description of a mainstream term/concept.) "Gay" and "Lesbianism" '''is''' '''homosexuality.''' The addition of "Asexuals" is splitting hairs, and going beyond the furry point of the article (specially if we are making the initial point of only "three" types of "sexual preferences.")
*'''Sexual preferences and furry''' section: An explanation of how does "Sexual preference" related to furry, with the "Gay" topic the most discussed/best known angle. The initial article ("Gay") covered the concept, myth and stereotyping of homosexuality in regard to the fandom from this point on, but that point broke when the article moved to cover "sexual preference," so we get directed immediately to the established gay views of "Non-furries" and fandom, and a lack of studies on "homosexuality" in it, and the general populace. By the end of this article there's still no explanation or correlation between "Sexual preference and furry."
*'''Categorization''' section: All related (exclusively) to the "gay" sexual preference, but nothing to tie it to it's relation to the furry fandom, or "sexual preferences" in general for that matter.
*'''Social attitudes among furries''': Again, solely concentrated around the social and religious attitude of "gay sexuality" within the fandom (the "heterosexual," "bisexual," and for that matter, "asexual" sexual preference views have yet to make an appearance, if you noticed.)
*'''Why does it seem that many furries are homosexual or bisexual?''' (or '''Homosexuality within the fandom''') section: A good section to follow '''after''' establishing the types of "Sexual preferences" in furry. Move the "non-furry" opinion to it under, maybe, '''A non-furry view of Homosexuality and furry'''.
**'''General surveys''' section. Why?. This can easily be integrated inside the '''Fandom surveys''' section (we are still trying to show the furry's angle on this article, no mainstream's.)
::::So, as it stands right now, we are not presenting how "Sexual preference" relates to furry fandom accurately right now. Plenty regarding "Gay" sexual preferences, but that's because that the article was originally about it and furry, before it being renamed. [[User:Spirou|Spirou]] 03:22, 3 January 2008 (UTC)
:::::Good points all. The article still needs expansion.
:::::Some thoughts:
:::::The '''Sexual preferences and furry''' section was intially part of the introduction. I don't know how the stuff in the lead section that's about the furry=gay idea got moved into it's own section. If it was a edit done by me, it was a mistake.
:::::I added 'asexual' to the description after finding out that [http://furry.wikia.com/wiki/Special:Search?search=asexual at least three popular furries] are 'asexual'. But if it's rare, it shouldn't really be mentioned in the article at all.
:::::I know that '''gay''' means '''homosexual''', but the term '''gay''' is also used a lot to describe all non-straight people-- homosexuals and bisexuals alike.
:::::The '''categorization''' section is 'furry'-relevent since some furries believe that the gay\straight and male/female dictomy is false and think that people can express a variety of attractions throughout their life. The section does need rewording to make this clear.
:::::'''Social attitudes among furries''': Furries are people, and- like people-, some furries are homophobic. This should be mentioned. The section does have a weak title, though. A clearer title would be '''homophobia among furries''', but I didn't use that because I really hate stamping the pejorative political label 'homophobic' on furries who are just exercising their sincerely held religious beliefs.
:::::'''Why does it seem that many furries are homosexual or bisexual?''': I agree that this belongs right below the introduction. I also think that the '''general surveys''' subsection about non-furries should be seperate from the '''fandom surveys''' subsection since the entire point is to illustrate the contrast. [[User:24.32.208.58|24.32.208.58]] 07:21, 3 January 2008 (UTC)

:::Why not have a lot of redirects? The words being re-directed- Sexual orientation, Sexual orientations, Sexual Preferences, homosexuals, homosexuality, gay, gays, et cetera- all fall clearly under this article. [[User:Boingo|Boingo]] 02:06, 3 January 2008 (UTC)

::::'''Gay''', makes sense, '''Homosexual''', yes, '''Homoerotic''', kind of redundant, but...; '''Gays''', uh, that's covered by "Gay," just enter it on the search box, it will come up; '''Homosexuals''',... all right, getting to "Redundant City" pluralized territory. In other words, we don't need to cover with redirects such a well known, mainstream term. =P [[User:Spirou|Spirou]] 03:22, 3 January 2008 (UTC)
:::::The fact that 'homoerotic' redirects here is news to me. That should be changed. The plural redirects are redundant, yes, but I guess I'm used to it from having done it in Wikipedia editing when plurals might generate unhelpful searches. [[User:24.32.208.58|24.32.208.58]] 07:21, 3 January 2008 (UTC)

:::I edited the lead section so it is now structured more simply and more logically. It mentions the three orientations, then it describes those three orientations, then it describes the term 'gay'- which has three different meanings-, and then it describes the rare exception to all orientations. [[User:Boingo|Boingo]] 02:20, 3 January 2008 (UTC)

::::...Which still presents this article as one about "gay" sexual preferences, not about "sexual preferences" and its relation to furry. This breakdown of the definition of "Gay" would be more at home on the '''Why does it seem that many furries are homosexual or bisexual?''' (or '''Homosexuality within the fandom''', or simply, '''Homosexuality and furry''') section. [[User:Spirou|Spirou]] 03:22, 3 January 2008 (UTC)

:::::''Which still presents this article as one about "gay" sexual preferences'' How so? The intro defines the term 'sexual preference' in detail, then it notes the multiple definitions of 'gay', and then it says what the sexual preferences in the fandom are (or at least it did, until those sentences were moved for some reason).
:::::''So, as it stands right now, we are not presenting how "Sexual preference" relates to furry fandom accurately right now. Plenty regarding "Gay" sexual preferences'' In real life, 95% of people are straight. In the fandom, it's between a low of 13% or a high of 53%. The article is gay-centric because, well, most furries are gay. [[User:24.32.208.58|24.32.208.58]] 07:21, 3 January 2008 (UTC)

::::::Regardless, your central point about the sections being jumbled up is definately right. [[User:24.32.208.58|24.32.208.58]] 07:32, 3 January 2008 (UTC)

::::::I moved around the sections. I think that the article flows better now. [[User:Boingo|Boingo]] 00:05, 4 January 2008 (UTC)

:::::::Well, no, the plurality are '''bi''' according to the stats. "Most" (the majority) are ''not straight'', but that's different to being gay. :-) --[[User:GreenReaper|GreenReaper]]([[User talk:GreenReaper|talk]]) 05:19, 4 January 2008 (UTC)

::::::::Ah, yes, I meant ''not straight''. Anyways, do you think the sections are in proper order or do you think they need to be moved around? [[User:Boingo|Boingo]] 03:39, 6 January 2008 (UTC)

== Preference or orientation? ==

Should this article be retitled ''Sexual orientation''? The reason I ask is because certain anti-gay factions prefer the term "sexual preference" over "sexual orientation" because the former carries a stronger implication that being gay or lesbian is a choice. --[[User:Mwalimu|mwalimu]] 14:10, 3 January 2008 (UTC)

:To be honest, it seems like nitpicking to me. I don't think that the term 'sexual preference' implies choice. My [[Wikipedia:Modern liberalism in the United States|very-liberal]] college president recently used the term in a speech before our diversity department. Still, I don't have much of an opinion on it.
:The reason why I used the title 'sexual preference' for this article since I wanted this article to prominently include the survey that mapped furries on the [[Wikipedia:Kinsey scale|Kinsey scale]], which measures preferences rather than orientations. [[User:Boingo|Boingo]] 00:21, 4 January 2008 (UTC)
::"Sexual orientation" is by far the more standard term, I believe. I have a copy of ''The Kinsey Institute New Report On Sex'' (Copyright 1990 The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction) to hand, and it refers to the Kinsey scale of sexual orientation. -- [[User:Sine|Sine]] 07:13, 4 January 2008 (UTC)
:::It's kind of a moot point since I don't oppose renaming the article, but how does that report define 'sexual orientation'? Is 0-1 considered straight, 2-4 bi, and 5-6 homosexual; or is each number given it's own definition? [[User:Boingo|Boingo]] 03:45, 6 January 2008 (UTC)

== Is it too far out... ==

For the article to mention the theory that the sexual orientations of furries is reasonably similar to the general population? I know that the Kinsey survey-- 46% bisexual and 10% homosexual-- sort of parallels the Rust survey-- 19% homosexual and 48% bisexual, but the other surveys don't. And, of course, this is all original research. [[User:Boingo|Boingo]] 04:02, 6 January 2008 (UTC)

Talk:Sexual orientation

2008-01-06T03:45:23Z

Boingo: /* Preference or orientation? */

2008-01-03T02:22:40Z

Boingo: /* Sheet breakdown */

A '''character sheet''', also known as a '''char sheet''' or '''reference sheet''', is an artifact common to nearly all published ('table-top' or 'paper-and-pencil') [[roleplaying]] games (e.g., [[Dungeons & Dragons]], [[Werewolf: The Apocalypse]], [[Wikipedia:GURPS|GURPS]], [[Ironclaw]]), to record vital information about a primary [[character]] being played and portrayed by a player.

Mostly, this information is specific to the published game in question, but also includes name biographical information, possessions, and sometimes a character sketch.

== Character sheet and furry ==

Because of this usage and a similarly named concept in art and graphics design (see character model sheet, below) the concept and term has been inconsistently adopted by many furry roleplayers as a written record of a [[furry]] being or character (without reference to any specific published game), mostly used for roleplaying, although they can also be used to describe a user's [[fursona]], or even a character in any kind of written media.

== Sheet breakdown ==
[[Image:Bioclrtextmore.jpg|right|thumb|210px|Example of a character sheet]]
Furry character sheets typically includes the user/character's name, age, [[species]], gender, height, weight, appearance, personality, and traits.

Some have more detailed information added, including [[sexual preference]], nicknames, martial status, [[fetish]]es, items, and biography, and a snapshot or image of the character may also be included.

==== Example ====
*Name: Peter Wolfowitz
*Age: 23
*Species: [[Wolf]]
*Gender: [[Male]]
*Height: 6'0''
*Weight: 120 lbs.
*Appearance: A slender [[anthropomorphic]] wolf with black [[fur]] and acid-yellow eyes
*Personality: Calm and collected
*Traits: Skilled in the making of arts and crafts

== Character model sheet ==
[[Image:ZZmodelsheet.png|right|thumb|275px|Example of a model sheet]]
A '''character model sheet''', also known simply as a '''model sheet''', is a graphical version of the "character sheet" (it's to be noted that outside the [[furry fandom]], specially in animation, cartooning and graphic design, model sheets and character sheets are basically two variations of the same term.)

All thought not a furry coined term (having being first conceived and used in mainstream [[Wikipedia:Animation|animation]],) it's often used by [[furry artist]]s and fans to graphically describe a character, fursonas, or even [[fursuit]]s.

It displays a specific turnaround view and look on the particular features of a character, such as head and body shape, hair and tail length and style, size and position of the eyes, mouth, [[ears]], fur patterns and design, etc.

Color callouts and character (sheet) descriptions may be added to, or accompany the model sheet

== See also ==
*[[Wikipedia:Model sheet|Model sheet]] on [[Wikipedia]]
[[Category:Terms]]

Talk:Sexual orientation

2008-01-03T02:20:17Z

Boingo: /* Gay->Sexual preference? */

Sexual orientation

2008-01-03T02:18:09Z

Boingo:

{{cleanup}}
{{context}}
''This page is [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Orphan orphaned] since few other WikiFur articles link to it. [http://furry.wikia.com/wiki/WikiFur:About You can help!]''

[[Image:Gay_flag.png|right|thumb|150px|The rainbow flag associated with [[wikipedia:homosexuality|homosexuality]] in and out of the [[furry fandom|fandom]].]]
'''Sexual preference''' describes the gender or genders that someone feels sexually attracted to. The term [[wikipedia:Sexual_orientation|'''sexual orientation''']] is often used interchangably, but the term 'sexual preference' is more broad and includes personal attitudes in between the three general categories defined as [[Wikipedia:sexual orientation|sexual orientations]].

[[Wikipedia:Heterosexuality|'''Heterosexuality''']] describes an attraction to someone of the opposite gender. [[Wikipedia:Bisexuality|'''Bisexuality''']] is the sexual attraction to members of both sexes, [[male]] and [[female]]. [[wikipedia:homosexuality|'''Homosexuality''']] describes an attraction to someone of the same gender.

The term '''gay''' has three different meanings. First, it is occasionally used synonymously with '''homosexual'''. Second, and most oftenly, it is used to refer specifically to [[male|male/male]] attraction while the term '''[[Wikipedia:lesbian|lesbian]]''' refers to [[female|female/female]] attraction. Third, '''gay''' is sometimes used to refer to both homosexuals and bisexuals.

In addition, a very small, atypical minority of individuals do not express attraction to either gender and are considered '''[[Wikipedia:asexual|asexual]]'''.

== Sexual preferences within the [[furry fandom]]==

[[non-furry|Non-furries]] generally take the position that a significantly larger proportion of the [[furry fandom]] is gay or bisexual compared to the general population.<ref name="rust"/> A lack of completely reliable survey data exists within both the fandom<ref name="rust"/> and the general population.<ref name="wiki"/> The studies that have been done suggest that this is true, though not to the large extent that is often suggested.<ref name="rust"/> Furries have suggested various theories for this. A lack of completely reliable survey data exists within both the fandom<ref name="rust"/> and the general population.<ref name="wiki"/>

==Categorization==

The current [[Wikipedia:scientific consensus|scientific consensus]] advocated by various social and educational organizations<ref>such as the [[Wikipedia:American Psychiatric Association|American Psychiatric Association]], the [[Wikipedia:American Psychological Association|American Psychological Association]], the [[Wikipedia:American Counseling Association|American Counseling Association]], the [[Wikipedia:National Association of Social Workers|National Association of Social Workers]], the [[Wikipedia:American Academy of Pediatrics|American Academy of Pediatrics]], the [[Wikipedia:American Association of School Administrators|American Association of School Administrators]], the [[Wikipedia:American Federation of Teachers|American Federation of Teachers]], the [[Wikipedia:National Association of School Psychologists|National Association of School Psychologists]], and the [[Wikipedia:National Education Association|National Education Association]]</ref> is that people develop their own permanent, unchangeable [[Wikipedia:sexual orientation|sexual orientation]] within one of the three categories in their [[Wikipedia:childhood|early childhood]] as [[Wikipedia:Biology and sexual orientation|a combination of genetic tendencies and their social environment]].<ref>[http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbc/publications/justthefacts.html Just the Facts About Sexual Orientation & Youth: A Primer for Principals, Educators and School Personnel] 1999, American Psychological Association</ref>

A minority of researchers, sometimes known as [[Wikipedia:Queer theory|'queer theorists']], believe that the concept of sexual orientations is a [[Wikipedia:social construct|social construct]] and that people naturally exhibit a variety of attractions. Some furries also subscribe to this view.<ref>[http://pressedfur.coolfreepages.com/essay/postvixen/index.html "Sitting On the Third Side of the Fence"] by Hannah Kincaid from [[Pressed Fur]]</ref> Although he did not advocate the social construct theory, [[Wikipedia:Alfred Kinsey|Dr. Alfred Kinsey]] stated that "[[Males]] do not represent two discrete populations, heterosexual and homosexual... The living world is a continuum in each and every one of its aspects."<ref name="scale">[http://www.kinseyinstitute.org/research/ak-hhscale.html "Kinsey's Heterosexual-Homosexual Rating Scale"] from the [http://www.kinseyinstitute.org Kinsey Institute].</ref> He postulated a [[Wikipedia:Kinsey Scale|scale]] of sexual preferences from zero to six, zero being exclusively heterosexual.<ref name="scale"/>

==Social attitudes among furries==
''[[The Sociology of Furry Fandom]]'', a 2002 paper by [[David J. Rust]] hosted at [http://www.visi.com/~phantos/furrysoc.html The Darken Hollow], found that "race, religion and sexual orientation (as divisive factors) are simply too minor to attract any real attention" and that furries have "higher tolerance for variety in sexual orientation and activity".<ref name="rust"/>

A small yet significant minority of furries self-identify as [[Christian furs|Christian]].<ref name="rust"/> Some of them believe in the [[Wikipedia:the bible and homosexuality|traditional Christian view]] that homosexual conduct is immoral and that homosexuals should be [[Wikipedia:celibacy|celibate]]. Other [[Christian furs]] believe that the Bible verses and [[Wikipedia:sacred tradition|sacred traditions]] cited against homosexuality are misinterpreted.<ref name="ark">[http://community.livejournal.com/rainbow_ark The furries of 'Rainbow Ark'] [http://community.livejournal.com/rainbow_ark/profile take this view]</ref> Both sides maintain a cordial relationship with each other and try to promote mutual understanding.<ref name="ark"/> [http://www.gaychristian.net/greatdebate.php This website] summarizes the arguments in the debate.

==Why does it seem that many furries are homosexual or bisexual?==

===General surveys===

Estimates of the incidence of homosexuality in the general population vary greatly, due in part to the lack of reliable survey data and the difficulty in defining [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_orientation sexual orientations].<ref name="wiki">[[Wikipedia:Demographics of sexual orientation|Demographics of sexual orientation]] at [[Wikipedia]]. Retrieved September 28th, 2007.</ref> [[Wikipedia:Alfred Kinsey|Dr. Alfred Kinsey's]] work ''[[Wikipedia:Sexual Behavior in the Human Male|Sexual Behavior in the Human Male]]'' found that "46% of the male population had engaged in both heterosexual and homosexual activities, or "reacted to" persons of both sexes, in the course of their adult lives". In addition, the book stated that "10% of males in the sample were predominantly homosexual between the ages of 16 and 55".<ref>[http://www.kinseyinstitute.org/research/ak-data.html Research Summary] from the [http://www.kinseyinstitute.org Kinsey Institute].</ref> Kinsey's book, and its companion ''[[Wikipedia:Sexual Behavior in the Human Female|Sexual Behavior in the Human Female]]'', have received [[Wikipedia:Sexual Behavior in the Human Male#Criticism|vocal criticism]] for their findings and methodology.<ref>[http://www.leaderu.com/jhs/reisman.html "Kinsey and the Homosexual Revolution"] by [[Wikipedia: Judith Reisman|Dr. Judith Reisman]]</ref><ref>[http://www.swlearning.com/quant/kohler/stat/biographical_sketches/bio15.1.html Biography of Statician] [[Wikipedia:John Tukey|John W. Tukey]]</ref><ref>[[Wikipedia:American conservative|American conservative]] [[Wikipedia:magazine|magazine]] ''[[Wikipedia:Human Events|Human Events]]'' calls the Kinsey Report the fourth [http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=7591 Most Harmful Book of the 19th and 20th Centuries].</ref><ref>[[Wikipedia:Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]] [[Wikipedia:Higher education in the United States|educational association]] '''[[Wikipedia:Intercollegiate Studies Institute|The Intercollegiate Studies Institute]]''' called it [http://www.mmisi.org/ir/35_01/50worst.pdf "A pervert's attempt to demonstrate that perversion is "statistically"normal"] and the third "Worst Book of the Century".</ref> ''[[Wikipedia:The New York Times|The New York Times]]'' called his research "conscientious and comprehensive"<ref>Pomeroy, Wardell (1972). Dr. Kinsey and the Institute for Sex Research. New York: Harper & Row.</ref> and Professor [[Wikipedia:Martin Duberman|Martin Duberman]] called it "skillful" and "a monumental endeavor".<ref>[http://www.kinseyinstitute.org/publications/duberman.html Book review of] '''[http://www.amazon.com/Alfred-C-Kinsey-Public-Private/dp/0393040860 Alfred C. Kinsey : A Public/Private Life]''' originally published in ''[[Wikipedia:The Nation|The Nation]]''.</ref>

Several recent surveys done in [[Wikipedia:Western world|Western countries]] such as [[Wikipedia:Canada|Canada]], [[Wikipedia:Australia|Australia]], and the [[Wikipedia:United States|United States]] typically define between 1% and 10% of the general population, which an average around 5%, as homosexual or bisexual.<ref>[[Wikipedia:Demographics of sexual orientation|Demographics of sexual orientation]] at [[Wikipedia]]. Accessed December 31, 2007.</ref> The British government conducted a country-wide survey in 2005 as part of the [[Wikipedia:Civil_Partnership_Act_2004|''Civil Partnership Act'']]. This study, the only official government study of its kind, stated that 6% of the [[Wikipedia:United Kingdom|United Kingdom]] would be interested in forming a [[Wikipedia:civil union|civil union]].<ref>[http://www.nihe.gov.uk/publications/consultation_documents/Draft%20Policy%20Statement%20on%20SO%20Dec06.pdf Sexual Orientation Policy Statement Draft for Consultation] (pdf)</ref>

===Fandom surveys===

There are multiple estimates of the percentage of gays in the furry fandom. It is often thought within the fandom that the number is high, possibly as high as 90%,<ref name="rust"/> but polls have shown differences in estimation.

*A 2007 [[Wikipedia:University of California, Davis|University of California at Davis]] study found that 37.3% of respondents were bisexual, 32.7% heterosexual, 25.5% homosexual, and 8% were [[Wikipedia:questioning (sexuality)|uncertain]].<ref>[http://studyf3.livejournal.com/1383.html "Furry Survey Results"] from University of California, Davis: Department of Psychology. Published 2007-05-05. Accessed 2007-05-05.</ref>
* A poll used in ''[[The Sociology of Furry Fandom]]'', a 2002 paper by [[David J. Rust]] hosted at [http://www.visi.com/~phantos/furrysoc.html The Darken Hollow], showed 25% heterosexual, 19% homosexual, and 48% bisexual out of 360 peopled polled.<ref name="rust">[http://www.visi.com/~phantos/furrysoc.html The Sociology of Furry Fandom]. Retrieved October 19, 2006.</ref> Rust concluded that "Truth be told, there are many more homosexual members of the fandom than in general society."<ref name="rust"/>
* A poll (of indeterminable date, but before 2005) on the [[IFPL]] used the [[Wikipedia:Kinsey scale|Kinsey scale]] to rate the measure of homosexuality in respondents:
{| border="2" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;"
|-
|- style="background-color: #C6E3FF"
| 12.9%
| (63/487)
| 0
| Exclusively heterosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #A7B1EE"
| 18.3%
| (89/487)
| 1
| Predominately heterosexual, incidentally homosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #CBABE2"
| 18.7%
| (91/487)
| 2
| Predominately heterosexual, more than incidentally homosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #CF71EE"
| 14.8%
| (72/487)
| 3
| Equally heterosexual and homosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #DF99D4"
| 11.3%
| (55/487)
| 4
|Predominately homosexual, more than incidentally heterosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #F79FD1"
| 16.0%
| (78/487)
| 5
| Predominately homosexual, incidentally heterosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #FFB1D8"
| 8.0%
| (39/487)
| 6
| Exclusively homosexual
|}
* A 2006 [http://faod.org/ FAOD] poll showed 25% heterosexual, 20% homosexual, and 55% bisexual (out of 44 polled)<ref>[http://faod.org/index.php?topic=179.0 FAOD Message Board]</ref>.
* A [[Furtopia]] poll (open 2003 to present) stated that 53% were heterosexual, 15% gay, and 30% bisexual out of 862 people polled.<ref>[http://cgi.furtopia.org/cgi-bin/ib311/ikonboard.cgi?s=411086f03c728556d957bd1ffd9b528a;act=ST;f=77;t=9074 Furtopia Message Board] Retrieved September 5, 2007.</ref>.
* A [[Furry_Survey|poll]] by [[Alex Osaki]] reported that 42.75% were heterosexual, 16.86% were homosexual, 35.29% were bisexual, and 4.71% self-identified as neither.<ref>[http://www.klisoura.com/ot_furrysurvey.php Furry Poll Results] as of December 30, 2007.</ref>

===Theories===
One viable theory involves [[Mark Merlino]], a former chair of [[ConFurence]] who co-founded the first furry [[conventions]]. [[Crush Yiff Destroy]] has suggested that Merlino actively recruited alternative lifestylers into the fandom, and that this influences furry demographics to this day.<ref>[http://www.crushyiffdestroy.com/show/merlino "Journey to the Center of Mark Merlino"]</ref>. Furries also guess that, since having a [[non-furry]] significant other and raising children may result in a fan having less time and money to devote to the fandom, gays are over-represented because they are less likely to be raising children.{{fact}} Some speculate that the negative [[Wikipedia:social stigma|social stigma]] [[Wikipedia:Furry fandom#Media coverage|attached to the fandom]] keeps away heterosexual [[mundanes]] who would otherwise feel interested. David Rust has stated that "The social variations for Furries may seem unusual from a generic, American viewpoint. However, from the position of a group of people who are already predisposed to enjoying anthropomorphic animals, other concepts such as homosexuality... seem somewhat mundane and unimportant by comparison."<ref name="rust"/>

Others guess that gays are not over-represented, but that they are simply much more likely to be open about their sexual orientation among their fellow fans than they are in other areas of their life.{{fact}}
One other theory is that the demographics of the fandom is reasonably close to the general population. It just happens that people who become furries, a [[Wikipedia:Coming out|'coming out']] of sorts, become more exposed to alternate lifestyles and may reconsider their own sexuality, which might result in a paralell [[Wikipedia:Coming out|'coming out']].{{fact}}

== References ==
<references/>

[[Category:Relationship terms]]
[[Category:Sociology]]

Sexual orientation

2008-01-03T02:09:50Z

Boingo:

{{cleanup}}
{{context}}
''This page is [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Orphan orphaned] since few other WikiFur articles link to it. [http://furry.wikia.com/wiki/WikiFur:About You can help!]''

[[Image:Gay_flag.png|right|thumb|150px|The rainbow flag associated with [[wikipedia:homosexuality|homosexuality]] in and out of the [[furry fandom|fandom]].]]
'''Sexual preference''' describes the gender or genders that someone feels sexually attracted to. The term [[wikipedia:Sexual_orientation|'''sexual orientation''']] is often used interchangably, but the term 'sexual preference' is more broad and includes personal attitudes in between the three general categories defined as [[Wikipedia:sexual orientation|sexual orientations]].

[[Wikipedia:Heterosexuality|'''Heterosexuality''']] describes an attraction to someone of the opposite gender. [[Wikipedia:Bisexuality|'''Bisexuality''']] is the sexual attraction to members of both sexes, [[male]] and [[female]]. [[wikipedia:homosexuality|'''Homosexuality''']] describes an attraction to someone of the same gender.

'''Gay''' is often used synonymously with '''homosexual''', but the term '''gay''' usually refers to [[male|male/male]] relationships while the term '''[[Wikipedia:lesbian|lesbian]]''' refers to [[female|female/female]] relationships. '''Gay''' is sometimes used inaccurately to refer to both homosexuals and bisexuals. In addition, a small, atypical minority of individuals do not express attraction to either gender and are considered '''[[Wikipedia:asexual|asexual]]'''.

== Sexual preferences within the [[furry fandom]]==

[[non-furry|Non-furries]] generally take the position that a significantly larger proportion of the [[furry fandom]] is gay or bisexual compared to the general population.<ref name="rust"/> A lack of completely reliable survey data exists within both the fandom<ref name="rust"/> and the general population.<ref name="wiki"/> The studies that have been done suggest that this is true, though not to the large extent that is often suggested.<ref name="rust"/> Furries have suggested various theories for this. A lack of completely reliable survey data exists within both the fandom<ref name="rust"/> and the general population.<ref name="wiki"/>

==Categorization==

The current [[Wikipedia:scientific consensus|scientific consensus]] advocated by various social and educational organizations<ref>such as the [[Wikipedia:American Psychiatric Association|American Psychiatric Association]], the [[Wikipedia:American Psychological Association|American Psychological Association]], the [[Wikipedia:American Counseling Association|American Counseling Association]], the [[Wikipedia:National Association of Social Workers|National Association of Social Workers]], the [[Wikipedia:American Academy of Pediatrics|American Academy of Pediatrics]], the [[Wikipedia:American Association of School Administrators|American Association of School Administrators]], the [[Wikipedia:American Federation of Teachers|American Federation of Teachers]], the [[Wikipedia:National Association of School Psychologists|National Association of School Psychologists]], and the [[Wikipedia:National Education Association|National Education Association]]</ref> is that people develop their own permanent, unchangeable [[Wikipedia:sexual orientation|sexual orientation]] within one of the three categories in their [[Wikipedia:childhood|early childhood]] as [[Wikipedia:Biology and sexual orientation|a combination of genetic tendencies and their social environment]].<ref>[http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbc/publications/justthefacts.html Just the Facts About Sexual Orientation & Youth: A Primer for Principals, Educators and School Personnel] 1999, American Psychological Association</ref>

A minority of researchers, sometimes known as [[Wikipedia:Queer theory|'queer theorists']], believe that the concept of sexual orientations is a [[Wikipedia:social construct|social construct]] and that people naturally exhibit a variety of attractions. Some furries also subscribe to this view.<ref>[http://pressedfur.coolfreepages.com/essay/postvixen/index.html "Sitting On the Third Side of the Fence"] by Hannah Kincaid from [[Pressed Fur]]</ref> Although he did not advocate the social construct theory, [[Wikipedia:Alfred Kinsey|Dr. Alfred Kinsey]] stated that "[[Males]] do not represent two discrete populations, heterosexual and homosexual... The living world is a continuum in each and every one of its aspects."<ref name="scale">[http://www.kinseyinstitute.org/research/ak-hhscale.html "Kinsey's Heterosexual-Homosexual Rating Scale"] from the [http://www.kinseyinstitute.org Kinsey Institute].</ref> He postulated a [[Wikipedia:Kinsey Scale|scale]] of sexual preferences from zero to six, zero being exclusively heterosexual.<ref name="scale"/>

==Social attitudes among furries==
''[[The Sociology of Furry Fandom]]'', a 2002 paper by [[David J. Rust]] hosted at [http://www.visi.com/~phantos/furrysoc.html The Darken Hollow], found that "race, religion and sexual orientation (as divisive factors) are simply too minor to attract any real attention" and that furries have "higher tolerance for variety in sexual orientation and activity".<ref name="rust"/>

A small yet significant minority of furries self-identify as [[Christian furs|Christian]].<ref name="rust"/> Some of them believe in the [[Wikipedia:the bible and homosexuality|traditional Christian view]] that homosexual conduct is immoral and that homosexuals should be [[Wikipedia:celibacy|celibate]]. Other [[Christian furs]] believe that the Bible verses and [[Wikipedia:sacred tradition|sacred traditions]] cited against homosexuality are misinterpreted.<ref name="ark">[http://community.livejournal.com/rainbow_ark The furries of 'Rainbow Ark'] [http://community.livejournal.com/rainbow_ark/profile take this view]</ref> Both sides maintain a cordial relationship with each other and try to promote mutual understanding.<ref name="ark"/> [http://www.gaychristian.net/greatdebate.php This website] summarizes the arguments in the debate.

==Why does it seem that many furries are homosexual or bisexual?==

===General surveys===

Estimates of the incidence of homosexuality in the general population vary greatly, due in part to the lack of reliable survey data and the difficulty in defining [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_orientation sexual orientations].<ref name="wiki">[[Wikipedia:Demographics of sexual orientation|Demographics of sexual orientation]] at [[Wikipedia]]. Retrieved September 28th, 2007.</ref> [[Wikipedia:Alfred Kinsey|Dr. Alfred Kinsey's]] work ''[[Wikipedia:Sexual Behavior in the Human Male|Sexual Behavior in the Human Male]]'' found that "46% of the male population had engaged in both heterosexual and homosexual activities, or "reacted to" persons of both sexes, in the course of their adult lives". In addition, the book stated that "10% of males in the sample were predominantly homosexual between the ages of 16 and 55".<ref>[http://www.kinseyinstitute.org/research/ak-data.html Research Summary] from the [http://www.kinseyinstitute.org Kinsey Institute].</ref> Kinsey's book, and its companion ''[[Wikipedia:Sexual Behavior in the Human Female|Sexual Behavior in the Human Female]]'', have received [[Wikipedia:Sexual Behavior in the Human Male#Criticism|vocal criticism]] for their findings and methodology.<ref>[http://www.leaderu.com/jhs/reisman.html "Kinsey and the Homosexual Revolution"] by [[Wikipedia: Judith Reisman|Dr. Judith Reisman]]</ref><ref>[http://www.swlearning.com/quant/kohler/stat/biographical_sketches/bio15.1.html Biography of Statician] [[Wikipedia:John Tukey|John W. Tukey]]</ref><ref>[[Wikipedia:American conservative|American conservative]] [[Wikipedia:magazine|magazine]] ''[[Wikipedia:Human Events|Human Events]]'' calls the Kinsey Report the fourth [http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=7591 Most Harmful Book of the 19th and 20th Centuries].</ref><ref>[[Wikipedia:Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]] [[Wikipedia:Higher education in the United States|educational association]] '''[[Wikipedia:Intercollegiate Studies Institute|The Intercollegiate Studies Institute]]''' called it [http://www.mmisi.org/ir/35_01/50worst.pdf "A pervert's attempt to demonstrate that perversion is "statistically"normal"] and the third "Worst Book of the Century".</ref> ''[[Wikipedia:The New York Times|The New York Times]]'' called his research "conscientious and comprehensive"<ref>Pomeroy, Wardell (1972). Dr. Kinsey and the Institute for Sex Research. New York: Harper & Row.</ref> and Professor [[Wikipedia:Martin Duberman|Martin Duberman]] called it "skillful" and "a monumental endeavor".<ref>[http://www.kinseyinstitute.org/publications/duberman.html Book review of] '''[http://www.amazon.com/Alfred-C-Kinsey-Public-Private/dp/0393040860 Alfred C. Kinsey : A Public/Private Life]''' originally published in ''[[Wikipedia:The Nation|The Nation]]''.</ref>

Several recent surveys done in [[Wikipedia:Western world|Western countries]] such as [[Wikipedia:Canada|Canada]], [[Wikipedia:Australia|Australia]], and the [[Wikipedia:United States|United States]] typically define between 1% and 10% of the general population, which an average around 5%, as homosexual or bisexual.<ref>[[Wikipedia:Demographics of sexual orientation|Demographics of sexual orientation]] at [[Wikipedia]]. Accessed December 31, 2007.</ref> The British government conducted a country-wide survey in 2005 as part of the [[Wikipedia:Civil_Partnership_Act_2004|''Civil Partnership Act'']]. This study, the only official government study of its kind, stated that 6% of the [[Wikipedia:United Kingdom|United Kingdom]] would be interested in forming a [[Wikipedia:civil union|civil union]].<ref>[http://www.nihe.gov.uk/publications/consultation_documents/Draft%20Policy%20Statement%20on%20SO%20Dec06.pdf Sexual Orientation Policy Statement Draft for Consultation] (pdf)</ref>

===Fandom surveys===

There are multiple estimates of the percentage of gays in the furry fandom. It is often thought within the fandom that the number is high, possibly as high as 90%,<ref name="rust"/> but polls have shown differences in estimation.

*A 2007 [[Wikipedia:University of California, Davis|University of California at Davis]] study found that 37.3% of respondents were bisexual, 32.7% heterosexual, 25.5% homosexual, and 8% were [[Wikipedia:questioning (sexuality)|uncertain]].<ref>[http://studyf3.livejournal.com/1383.html "Furry Survey Results"] from University of California, Davis: Department of Psychology. Published 2007-05-05. Accessed 2007-05-05.</ref>
* A poll used in ''[[The Sociology of Furry Fandom]]'', a 2002 paper by [[David J. Rust]] hosted at [http://www.visi.com/~phantos/furrysoc.html The Darken Hollow], showed 25% heterosexual, 19% homosexual, and 48% bisexual out of 360 peopled polled.<ref name="rust">[http://www.visi.com/~phantos/furrysoc.html The Sociology of Furry Fandom]. Retrieved October 19, 2006.</ref> Rust concluded that "Truth be told, there are many more homosexual members of the fandom than in general society."<ref name="rust"/>
* A poll (of indeterminable date, but before 2005) on the [[IFPL]] used the [[Wikipedia:Kinsey scale|Kinsey scale]] to rate the measure of homosexuality in respondents:
{| border="2" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;"
|-
|- style="background-color: #C6E3FF"
| 12.9%
| (63/487)
| 0
| Exclusively heterosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #A7B1EE"
| 18.3%
| (89/487)
| 1
| Predominately heterosexual, incidentally homosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #CBABE2"
| 18.7%
| (91/487)
| 2
| Predominately heterosexual, more than incidentally homosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #CF71EE"
| 14.8%
| (72/487)
| 3
| Equally heterosexual and homosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #DF99D4"
| 11.3%
| (55/487)
| 4
|Predominately homosexual, more than incidentally heterosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #F79FD1"
| 16.0%
| (78/487)
| 5
| Predominately homosexual, incidentally heterosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #FFB1D8"
| 8.0%
| (39/487)
| 6
| Exclusively homosexual
|}
* A 2006 [http://faod.org/ FAOD] poll showed 25% heterosexual, 20% homosexual, and 55% bisexual (out of 44 polled)<ref>[http://faod.org/index.php?topic=179.0 FAOD Message Board]</ref>.
* A [[Furtopia]] poll (open 2003 to present) stated that 53% were heterosexual, 15% gay, and 30% bisexual out of 862 people polled.<ref>[http://cgi.furtopia.org/cgi-bin/ib311/ikonboard.cgi?s=411086f03c728556d957bd1ffd9b528a;act=ST;f=77;t=9074 Furtopia Message Board] Retrieved September 5, 2007.</ref>.
* A [[Furry_Survey|poll]] by [[Alex Osaki]] reported that 42.75% were heterosexual, 16.86% were homosexual, 35.29% were bisexual, and 4.71% self-identified as neither.<ref>[http://www.klisoura.com/ot_furrysurvey.php Furry Poll Results] as of December 30, 2007.</ref>

===Theories===
One viable theory involves [[Mark Merlino]], a former chair of [[ConFurence]] who co-founded the first furry [[conventions]]. [[Crush Yiff Destroy]] has suggested that Merlino actively recruited alternative lifestylers into the fandom, and that this influences furry demographics to this day.<ref>[http://www.crushyiffdestroy.com/show/merlino "Journey to the Center of Mark Merlino"]</ref>. Furries also guess that, since having a [[non-furry]] significant other and raising children may result in a fan having less time and money to devote to the fandom, gays are over-represented because they are less likely to be raising children.{{fact}} Some speculate that the negative [[Wikipedia:social stigma|social stigma]] [[Wikipedia:Furry fandom#Media coverage|attached to the fandom]] keeps away heterosexual [[mundanes]] who would otherwise feel interested. David Rust has stated that "The social variations for Furries may seem unusual from a generic, American viewpoint. However, from the position of a group of people who are already predisposed to enjoying anthropomorphic animals, other concepts such as homosexuality... seem somewhat mundane and unimportant by comparison."<ref name="rust"/>

Others guess that gays are not over-represented, but that they are simply much more likely to be open about their sexual orientation among their fellow fans than they are in other areas of their life.{{fact}}
One other theory is that the demographics of the fandom is reasonably close to the general population. It just happens that people who become furries, a [[Wikipedia:Coming out|'coming out']] of sorts, become more exposed to alternate lifestyles and may reconsider their own sexuality, which might result in a paralell [[Wikipedia:Coming out|'coming out']].{{fact}}

== References ==
<references/>

[[Category:Relationship terms]]
[[Category:Sociology]]

Talk:Sexual orientation

2008-01-03T02:06:13Z

Boingo: /* Gay->Sexual preference? */

Talk:Sexual orientation

2008-01-03T02:05:43Z

Boingo: /* Gay->Sexual preference? */

Sexual orientation

2008-01-03T02:00:04Z

Boingo:

{{cleanup}}
{{context}}
''This page is [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Orphan orphaned] since few other WikiFur articles link to it. [http://furry.wikia.com/wiki/WikiFur:About You can help!]''

[[Image:Gay_flag.png|right|thumb|150px|The rainbow flag associated with [[wikipedia:homosexuality|homosexuality]] in and out of the [[furry fandom|fandom]].]]
'''Sexual preference''' describes the gender or genders that someone feels sexually attracted to. The term [[wikipedia:Sexual_orientation|'''sexual orientation''']] is often used interchangably, but the term 'sexual preference' is more broad and includes personal attitudes in between the three general categories defined as [[Wikipedia:sexual orientation|sexual orientations]].

[[Wikipedia:Heterosexuality|'''Heterosexuality''']] describes an attraction to someone of the opposite gender. [[Wikipedia:Bisexuality|'''Bisexuality''']] is the sexual attraction to members of both sexes, [[male]] and [[female]]. [[wikipedia:homosexuality|'''Homosexuality''']] describes an attraction to someone of the same gender. '''Gay''' is often used synonymously with '''homosexual''', but the term '''gay''' usually refers to [[male|male/male]] relationships while the term '''[[Wikipedia:lesbian|lesbian]]''' refers to [[female|female/female]] relationships.

'''Gay''' is sometimes used inaccurately to refer to both homosexuals and bisexuals. In addition, a small, atypical minority of individuals do not express attraction to either gender and are considered '''[[Wikipedia:asexual|asexual]]'''.

== Sexual preferences within the [[furry fandom]]==

[[non-furry|Non-furries]] generally take the position that a significantly larger proportion of the [[furry fandom]] is gay or bisexual compared to the general population.<ref name="rust"/> A lack of completely reliable survey data exists within both the fandom<ref name="rust"/> and the general population.<ref name="wiki"/> The studies that have been done suggest that this is true, though not to the large extent that is often suggested.<ref name="rust"/> Furries have suggested various theories for this. A lack of completely reliable survey data exists within both the fandom<ref name="rust"/> and the general population.<ref name="wiki"/>

==Categorization==

The current [[Wikipedia:scientific consensus|scientific consensus]] advocated by various social and educational organizations<ref>such as the [[Wikipedia:American Psychiatric Association|American Psychiatric Association]], the [[Wikipedia:American Psychological Association|American Psychological Association]], the [[Wikipedia:American Counseling Association|American Counseling Association]], the [[Wikipedia:National Association of Social Workers|National Association of Social Workers]], the [[Wikipedia:American Academy of Pediatrics|American Academy of Pediatrics]], the [[Wikipedia:American Association of School Administrators|American Association of School Administrators]], the [[Wikipedia:American Federation of Teachers|American Federation of Teachers]], the [[Wikipedia:National Association of School Psychologists|National Association of School Psychologists]], and the [[Wikipedia:National Education Association|National Education Association]]</ref> is that people develop their own permanent, unchangeable [[Wikipedia:sexual orientation|sexual orientation]] within one of the three categories in their [[Wikipedia:childhood|early childhood]] as [[Wikipedia:Biology and sexual orientation|a combination of genetic tendencies and their social environment]].<ref>[http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbc/publications/justthefacts.html Just the Facts About Sexual Orientation & Youth: A Primer for Principals, Educators and School Personnel] 1999, American Psychological Association</ref>

A minority of researchers, sometimes known as [[Wikipedia:Queer theory|'queer theorists']], believe that the concept of sexual orientations is a [[Wikipedia:social construct|social construct]] and that people naturally exhibit a variety of attractions. Some furries also subscribe to this view.<ref>[http://pressedfur.coolfreepages.com/essay/postvixen/index.html "Sitting On the Third Side of the Fence"] by Hannah Kincaid from [[Pressed Fur]]</ref> Although he did not advocate the social construct theory, [[Wikipedia:Alfred Kinsey|Dr. Alfred Kinsey]] stated that "[[Males]] do not represent two discrete populations, heterosexual and homosexual... The living world is a continuum in each and every one of its aspects."<ref name="scale">[http://www.kinseyinstitute.org/research/ak-hhscale.html "Kinsey's Heterosexual-Homosexual Rating Scale"] from the [http://www.kinseyinstitute.org Kinsey Institute].</ref> He postulated a [[Wikipedia:Kinsey Scale|scale]] of sexual preferences from zero to six, zero being exclusively heterosexual.<ref name="scale"/>

==Social attitudes among furries==
''[[The Sociology of Furry Fandom]]'', a 2002 paper by [[David J. Rust]] hosted at [http://www.visi.com/~phantos/furrysoc.html The Darken Hollow], found that "race, religion and sexual orientation (as divisive factors) are simply too minor to attract any real attention" and that furries have "higher tolerance for variety in sexual orientation and activity".<ref name="rust"/>

A small yet significant minority of furries self-identify as [[Christian furs|Christian]].<ref name="rust"/> Some of them believe in the [[Wikipedia:the bible and homosexuality|traditional Christian view]] that homosexual conduct is immoral and that homosexuals should be [[Wikipedia:celibacy|celibate]]. Other [[Christian furs]] believe that the Bible verses and [[Wikipedia:sacred tradition|sacred traditions]] cited against homosexuality are misinterpreted.<ref name="ark">[http://community.livejournal.com/rainbow_ark The furries of 'Rainbow Ark'] [http://community.livejournal.com/rainbow_ark/profile take this view]</ref> Both sides maintain a cordial relationship with each other and try to promote mutual understanding.<ref name="ark"/> [http://www.gaychristian.net/greatdebate.php This website] summarizes the arguments in the debate.

==Why does it seem that many furries are homosexual or bisexual?==

===General surveys===

Estimates of the incidence of homosexuality in the general population vary greatly, due in part to the lack of reliable survey data and the difficulty in defining [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_orientation sexual orientations].<ref name="wiki">[[Wikipedia:Demographics of sexual orientation|Demographics of sexual orientation]] at [[Wikipedia]]. Retrieved September 28th, 2007.</ref> [[Wikipedia:Alfred Kinsey|Dr. Alfred Kinsey's]] work ''[[Wikipedia:Sexual Behavior in the Human Male|Sexual Behavior in the Human Male]]'' found that "46% of the male population had engaged in both heterosexual and homosexual activities, or "reacted to" persons of both sexes, in the course of their adult lives". In addition, the book stated that "10% of males in the sample were predominantly homosexual between the ages of 16 and 55".<ref>[http://www.kinseyinstitute.org/research/ak-data.html Research Summary] from the [http://www.kinseyinstitute.org Kinsey Institute].</ref> Kinsey's book, and its companion ''[[Wikipedia:Sexual Behavior in the Human Female|Sexual Behavior in the Human Female]]'', have received [[Wikipedia:Sexual Behavior in the Human Male#Criticism|vocal criticism]] for their findings and methodology.<ref>[http://www.leaderu.com/jhs/reisman.html "Kinsey and the Homosexual Revolution"] by [[Wikipedia: Judith Reisman|Dr. Judith Reisman]]</ref><ref>[http://www.swlearning.com/quant/kohler/stat/biographical_sketches/bio15.1.html Biography of Statician] [[Wikipedia:John Tukey|John W. Tukey]]</ref><ref>[[Wikipedia:American conservative|American conservative]] [[Wikipedia:magazine|magazine]] ''[[Wikipedia:Human Events|Human Events]]'' calls the Kinsey Report the fourth [http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=7591 Most Harmful Book of the 19th and 20th Centuries].</ref><ref>[[Wikipedia:Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]] [[Wikipedia:Higher education in the United States|educational association]] '''[[Wikipedia:Intercollegiate Studies Institute|The Intercollegiate Studies Institute]]''' called it [http://www.mmisi.org/ir/35_01/50worst.pdf "A pervert's attempt to demonstrate that perversion is "statistically"normal"] and the third "Worst Book of the Century".</ref> ''[[Wikipedia:The New York Times|The New York Times]]'' called his research "conscientious and comprehensive"<ref>Pomeroy, Wardell (1972). Dr. Kinsey and the Institute for Sex Research. New York: Harper & Row.</ref> and Professor [[Wikipedia:Martin Duberman|Martin Duberman]] called it "skillful" and "a monumental endeavor".<ref>[http://www.kinseyinstitute.org/publications/duberman.html Book review of] '''[http://www.amazon.com/Alfred-C-Kinsey-Public-Private/dp/0393040860 Alfred C. Kinsey : A Public/Private Life]''' originally published in ''[[Wikipedia:The Nation|The Nation]]''.</ref>

Several recent surveys done in [[Wikipedia:Western world|Western countries]] such as [[Wikipedia:Canada|Canada]], [[Wikipedia:Australia|Australia]], and the [[Wikipedia:United States|United States]] typically define between 1% and 10% of the general population, which an average around 5%, as homosexual or bisexual.<ref>[[Wikipedia:Demographics of sexual orientation|Demographics of sexual orientation]] at [[Wikipedia]]. Accessed December 31, 2007.</ref> The British government conducted a country-wide survey in 2005 as part of the [[Wikipedia:Civil_Partnership_Act_2004|''Civil Partnership Act'']]. This study, the only official government study of its kind, stated that 6% of the [[Wikipedia:United Kingdom|United Kingdom]] would be interested in forming a [[Wikipedia:civil union|civil union]].<ref>[http://www.nihe.gov.uk/publications/consultation_documents/Draft%20Policy%20Statement%20on%20SO%20Dec06.pdf Sexual Orientation Policy Statement Draft for Consultation] (pdf)</ref>

===Fandom surveys===

There are multiple estimates of the percentage of gays in the furry fandom. It is often thought within the fandom that the number is high, possibly as high as 90%,<ref name="rust"/> but polls have shown differences in estimation.

*A 2007 [[Wikipedia:University of California, Davis|University of California at Davis]] study found that 37.3% of respondents were bisexual, 32.7% heterosexual, 25.5% homosexual, and 8% were [[Wikipedia:questioning (sexuality)|uncertain]].<ref>[http://studyf3.livejournal.com/1383.html "Furry Survey Results"] from University of California, Davis: Department of Psychology. Published 2007-05-05. Accessed 2007-05-05.</ref>
* A poll used in ''[[The Sociology of Furry Fandom]]'', a 2002 paper by [[David J. Rust]] hosted at [http://www.visi.com/~phantos/furrysoc.html The Darken Hollow], showed 25% heterosexual, 19% homosexual, and 48% bisexual out of 360 peopled polled.<ref name="rust">[http://www.visi.com/~phantos/furrysoc.html The Sociology of Furry Fandom]. Retrieved October 19, 2006.</ref> Rust concluded that "Truth be told, there are many more homosexual members of the fandom than in general society."<ref name="rust"/>
* A poll (of indeterminable date, but before 2005) on the [[IFPL]] used the [[Wikipedia:Kinsey scale|Kinsey scale]] to rate the measure of homosexuality in respondents:
{| border="2" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;"
|-
|- style="background-color: #C6E3FF"
| 12.9%
| (63/487)
| 0
| Exclusively heterosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #A7B1EE"
| 18.3%
| (89/487)
| 1
| Predominately heterosexual, incidentally homosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #CBABE2"
| 18.7%
| (91/487)
| 2
| Predominately heterosexual, more than incidentally homosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #CF71EE"
| 14.8%
| (72/487)
| 3
| Equally heterosexual and homosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #DF99D4"
| 11.3%
| (55/487)
| 4
|Predominately homosexual, more than incidentally heterosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #F79FD1"
| 16.0%
| (78/487)
| 5
| Predominately homosexual, incidentally heterosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #FFB1D8"
| 8.0%
| (39/487)
| 6
| Exclusively homosexual
|}
* A 2006 [http://faod.org/ FAOD] poll showed 25% heterosexual, 20% homosexual, and 55% bisexual (out of 44 polled)<ref>[http://faod.org/index.php?topic=179.0 FAOD Message Board]</ref>.
* A [[Furtopia]] poll (open 2003 to present) stated that 53% were heterosexual, 15% gay, and 30% bisexual out of 862 people polled.<ref>[http://cgi.furtopia.org/cgi-bin/ib311/ikonboard.cgi?s=411086f03c728556d957bd1ffd9b528a;act=ST;f=77;t=9074 Furtopia Message Board] Retrieved September 5, 2007.</ref>.
* A [[Furry_Survey|poll]] by [[Alex Osaki]] reported that 42.75% were heterosexual, 16.86% were homosexual, 35.29% were bisexual, and 4.71% self-identified as neither.<ref>[http://www.klisoura.com/ot_furrysurvey.php Furry Poll Results] as of December 30, 2007.</ref>

===Theories===
One viable theory involves [[Mark Merlino]], a former chair of [[ConFurence]] who co-founded the first furry [[conventions]]. [[Crush Yiff Destroy]] has suggested that Merlino actively recruited alternative lifestylers into the fandom, and that this influences furry demographics to this day.<ref>[http://www.crushyiffdestroy.com/show/merlino "Journey to the Center of Mark Merlino"]</ref>. Furries also guess that, since having a [[non-furry]] significant other and raising children may result in a fan having less time and money to devote to the fandom, gays are over-represented because they are less likely to be raising children.{{fact}} Some speculate that the negative [[Wikipedia:social stigma|social stigma]] [[Wikipedia:Furry fandom#Media coverage|attached to the fandom]] keeps away heterosexual [[mundanes]] who would otherwise feel interested. David Rust has stated that "The social variations for Furries may seem unusual from a generic, American viewpoint. However, from the position of a group of people who are already predisposed to enjoying anthropomorphic animals, other concepts such as homosexuality... seem somewhat mundane and unimportant by comparison."<ref name="rust"/>

Others guess that gays are not over-represented, but that they are simply much more likely to be open about their sexual orientation among their fellow fans than they are in other areas of their life.{{fact}}
One other theory is that the demographics of the fandom is reasonably close to the general population. It just happens that people who become furries, a [[Wikipedia:Coming out|'coming out']] of sorts, become more exposed to alternate lifestyles and may reconsider their own sexuality, which might result in a paralell [[Wikipedia:Coming out|'coming out']].{{fact}}

== References ==
<references/>

[[Category:Relationship terms]]
[[Category:Sociology]]

Talk:Sexual orientation

2008-01-03T01:53:50Z

Boingo: /* Gay->Sexual preference? */

User talk:Boingo

2008-01-03T01:36:04Z

Boingo: /* These might be stupid questions... */

Welcome to [[WikiFur]]! Thank you for registering an account. We here at [[WikiFur]] look forward to working with you. [[Forum:Help desk|Let us know]] if you need any [[help]] not already provided. If you would like help creating an article or just editing it, don't hesitate to consult the [[Help:Furry Book of Style|Furry Book of Style]] or just contact an [[WikiFur:Administrator|administrator]]. Have a nice day! :-)
--[[User:Rat|Rat]] 01:24, 24 December 2007 (UTC)

== Mechanics ==

How do you mess with the colors/shading on a wiki table? I proposed something like that for [[Talk:Homosexuality|this page]]. [[User:Boingo|Boingo]] 07:49, 27 December 2007 (UTC)

:Same as on a normal HTML table, except that there are certain limitations to prevent problems (most notably, you can't set an image as a background unless you do so via sitewide CSS). Probably what you would find most useful is the background-color style. Have a look at any HTML tutorial out there and you should find some tips on HTML tables that you can put to use here. You might also find [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Table Help:Table] useful. --[[User:GreenReaper|GreenReaper]]([[User talk:GreenReaper|talk]]) 08:05, 27 December 2007 (UTC)

::I made my proposed changes. [[Homosexuality|What do you think?]] [[User:Boingo|Boingo]] 01:24, 28 December 2007 (UTC)

:::Thought the colours were a little strong, so I tweaked them so that the text was more readable. You can do unordered lists using * at the front. --[[User:GreenReaper|GreenReaper]]([[User talk:GreenReaper|talk]]) 01:42, 28 December 2007 (UTC)

== These might be stupid questions... ==

but I still would like to ask:

*Is it always unacceptable to add a link to [[[encyclopedia dramatica]] to a page (Looking something like this: <nowiki>[http://encyclopediadramatica.com/Aeris A satrical take on the 'Mary Sue' phenomenon]</nowiki>), or does it depend on the circumstances?
*What's the policy on using someone's real, birth-cirtificate listed name in their biographical article?
*What's the policy on using real life pictures in biographical articles?
*Since they're so short and they don't really have any prospects for more content, shouldn't the articles '[[bisexual]]' and '[[heterosexual]]' be merged into '[[homosexual]]' to create '[[sexual preference]]'?
[[User:Boingo|Boingo]] 05:03, 29 December 2007 (UTC)
:All content decisions are made on a case by case basis. However, ED rarely makes a good link, due to its habit of putting a highly negative spin on any subject that it covers (except for those which result in the glorification of drama). Its editors are also quite willing to make things up if doing so results in "lulz". For these reasons and others, linking to ED is strongly discouraged, and I would advise you to treat anything you find there with caution. For the specific example you give, there seems no reason not to just use an interwiki link to Wikipedia, which has a perfectly good article on the topic. We would not need to have a separate article as it is not a furry topic.
:Our policy with birth names is to look at whether or not that name is being concealed in any way. For example, many artists actually go by their real names. Others use fan names alongside their real names. Still others make no mention of their real names, even on the websites containing their work. In the latter case, the use of the real name (if you know it) is probably not appropriate. Real names will usually be removed on request from the subject.
:The same thing goes for real life pictures. If you know, or have reason to believe that someone would not want their picture on WikiFur, it is probably best not to put it here. On the other hand, many people do not mind, and it can be a useful means of identification.
:Don't really have an opinion on the last. If you think doing so would make a better encyclopedia, you should do so. --[[User:GreenReaper|GreenReaper]]([[User talk:GreenReaper|talk]]) 06:24, 29 December 2007 (UTC)
::I made the changes. I'd like to ask you some things about the [[sexual preference]] page.
*I wrote a snippet saying that some people think that sexual orientation is an artificial construct and does not really exist. But I don't know of any furries advocating that position besides the one person that I linked.
*I altered the colors on the table so it has the holistic, ying-yang style of intermixed pink and blue. I tried to lighten the colors a lot compared to my first try at it. How does it look now?
*I wrote a section saying that a cordial split exists among Christian furs between those who believe homosexuality is immoral and those who disagree. Is this accurate? Or do all (or nearly all) of the Christian furries accept homosexuality? The only anti-gay-marriage furry that I know of is [[Prince Jeremy]].*
*I'd like to find citations for the theories saying ''since having a [[non-furry]] significant other and raising children may result in a fan having less time and money to devote to the fandom, gays are over-represented because they are less likely to be raising children'' and ''Others guess that gays are not over-represented, but that they are simply much more likely to be open about their sexual orientation among their fellow fans than they are in other areas of their life.''
*One other theory is that the demographics of the fandom is reasonably close to the general population. It just happens that people who become furries (a 'coming out' of sorts) become more exposed to alternate lifestyles (which might result in a paralell 'coming out'). I considered adding this to the article, but I didn't because it seems overly speculative.
[[User:Boingo|Boingo]] 07:32, 31 December 2007 (UTC)

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Based on his infamous "you all belong in concentration camps" comment. [[User:Boingo|Boingo]] 23:44, 31 December 2007 (UTC)

:I have made [http://furry.wikia.com/index.php?title=Sexual_preference&diff=177377&oldid=177376 further edits]. Some general points:
:*If you are intending to move one page to another title, use the Move tab at the top rather than cut and pasting. Doing the latter breaks the edit history, and deprives others of the credit for their prior edits, which is required for [[WikiFur:Copyrights|GFDL]] compliance.
:*Link to Wikipedia by using <nowiki>[[Wikipedia:Article name|text to display]]</nowiki>.
:*Per the [[WikiFur:Furry Book of Style|style guide]], only the first word of titles should be capitalized unless the word would normally be capitalized (like a name).
:*Use a spellchecker. :-) If you use a [http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/all-beta.html recent beta of Firefox] it will have one built in.
:To answer your questions:
:*The table looks fine to me.
:*I suspect there are some who are less than enthused about it, but I do not know for sure. You could always ask the community of Christian furs (or see if the question has been asked already). Jeremy would be an outlier for most purposes.
:*I'm not sure you can really get a citation for that, but you could give examples of involvement in such activities. For example, very significant proportions of the leadership at [[convention]]s and other furry events are gay, including key members of (at least) [[List of conventions by attendance|the top five event by attendance]], as well as the larger ones overseas. I should note that leadership in this area is not exclusive - as far as I know, there is no "anti-breeder" bias - but if you look closely it is a very clear trend. It might be because gay community members are more interested in organizing communal events. I don't know.
:*Possible. I think the current situation is a combination of this effect and others. Again, more research is required. --[[User:GreenReaper|GreenReaper]]([[User talk:GreenReaper|talk]]) 21:43, 1 January 2008 (UTC)
:::I apologize for messing up the move (I only did it once before in my Wikipedia days). I didn't realize how to use the Wikilink code until I was about halfway through editing the page; I'll use it the correct way in the future.
:::*''I suspect there are some who are less than enthused about it, but I do not know for sure. You could always ask the community of Christian furs'' I've read a lot of furries' livejournals but I don't have one myself (and- to be honest with you- I really do not want one, especially after reading several "if I see him again, I'll rip his f*cking throat out" posts.) Has [[Kendricks]] been editing on Wikifur recently? Could I ask him on his talk page?
:::*''Jeremy would be an outlier for most purposes.'' I don't know what you mean by "outlier".
:::*''as far as I know, there is no "anti-breeder" bias - but if you look closely it is a very clear trend'' I don't know what "anti-breeder" means. I'm a compete noob, so I don't know the furry lexicon (Please resist the urge to choke my neck with your mind as you type your response).
:::*''Possible. I think the current situation is a combination of this effect and others. Again, more research is required.'' I see. I think the [[Sexual_preference#Theories|theories section]] does a good job of describing every viewpoint. [[User:Boingo|Boingo]] 23:15, 1 January 2008 (UTC)
:::*I edited the page so that the praises and criticisms of the Kinsey reports now have exact citations. The only major omission that I can still see is that the article doesn't talk about transgender furries (and/or furries with fursonas of the opposite gender)- but I don't know if this should be mentioned at all. [[User:Boingo|Boingo]] 00:32, 2 January 2008 (UTC)
::::*No worries about the formatting/move issues, we're all learning here. :-)
::::*An [[Wikipedia:outlier|outlier]] is a data point which does not "fit the curve" (and which is typically discarded)
::::*"[[Wikipedia:breeder (slang)|Breeder]]" is slang term used by some homosexuals for heterosexuals, and by some "child-free" couples who dislike children in general for all parents. I intended more the former than the latter, although there have been one or two comments that suggest that a minority of the general furry population disagree with the idea of bringing children to conventions. The bit about the "trend" was not intended to apply to that part of the sentence, but the previous line.
::::*The issue of gender ''identity'' (as opposed to sexual preference) probably deserves coverage, but perhaps not on that page, as it is a different issue. There are individuals in the fandom who exhibit trans-gender behaviour, from the level of experimenting with roleplaying characters (changing gender along with species is a relatively small step) to considering full-blown gender reassignment therapy. My belief is that this are is largely male-to-female, but I could not even hazard a figure (the fact that the fandom is largely male skews this, of course). --[[User:GreenReaper|GreenReaper]]([[User talk:GreenReaper|talk]]) 01:13, 3 January 2008 (UTC)

::::::I agree that gender as an identity is a topic for a seperate page. As far as the [[Christian furs]] topic goes, I don't really know who to ask (or if I can ask, since I don't have an LJ). [[User:Boingo|Boingo]] 01:31, 3 January 2008 (UTC)
:::::::I would e-mail [[Kendricks]] to ask him about it, but I'm rather paranoid about making wiki related e-mails ever since someone (details ommitted for privacy). I would post on his talk page about it, but he hasn't been editing for a while. [[User:Boingo|Boingo]] 01:36, 3 January 2008 (UTC)

2008-01-02T00:14:36Z

Boingo:

[[Image:Gay_flag.png|right|thumb|150px|The rainbow flag associated with [[wikipedia:homosexuality|homosexuality]] in and out of the [[furry fandom|fandom]].]]

'''Sexual preference''' describes the gender or genders that someone feels sexually attracted to. The term [[wikipedia:Sexual_orientation|'''sexual orientation''']] is often used interchangably, but the term 'sexual preference' is more broad and includes personal attitudes in between the three general categories defined as [[Wikipedia:sexual orientation|sexual orientations]]. [[Wikipedia:Heterosexuality|'''Heterosexuality''']] describes an attraction to someone of the opposite gender. [[Wikipedia:Bisexuality|'''Bisexuality''']] is the sexual attraction to members of both sexes, [[male]] and [[female]]. [[wikipedia:homosexuality|'''Homosexuality''']] describes an attraction to someone of the same gender. '''Gay''' is often used synonymously, although the term generally refers to [[male|male/male]] relationships, as compared with '''lesbian''' for [[female|female/female]] relationships. '''Gay''' is sometimes used to refer to both homosexuals and bisexuals.

[[non-furry|Non-furries]] generally take the position that a significantly larger proportion of the [[furry fandom]] is gay or bisexual compared to the general population.<ref name="rust"/> A lack of completely reliable survey data exists within both the fandom<ref name="rust"/> and the general population.<ref name="wiki"/> The studies that have been done suggest that this is true, though not to the large extent that is often suggested.<ref name="rust"/> Furries have suggested various theories for this.

==Categorization==
The current [[Wikipedia:scientific consensus|scientific consensus]] advocated by various social and educational organizations<ref>such as the [[Wikipedia:American Psychiatric Association|American Psychiatric Association]], the [[Wikipedia:American Psychological Association|American Psychological Association]], the [[Wikipedia:American Counseling Association|American Counseling Association]], the [[Wikipedia:National Association of Social Workers|National Association of Social Workers]], the [[Wikipedia:American Academy of Pediatrics|American Academy of Pediatrics]], the [[Wikipedia:American Association of School Administrators|American Association of School Administrators]], the [[Wikipedia:American Federation of Teachers|American Federation of Teachers]], the [[Wikipedia:National Association of School Psychologists|National Association of School Psychologists]], and the [[Wikipedia:National Education Association|National Education Association]]</ref> is that people develop their own permanent, unchangeable [[Wikipedia:sexual orientation|sexual orientation]] within one of the three categories in their [[Wikipedia:childhood|early childhood]] as [[Wikipedia:Biology and sexual orientation|a combination of genetic tendencies and their social environment]].<ref>[http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbc/publications/justthefacts.html Just the Facts About Sexual Orientation & Youth: A Primer for Principals, Educators and School Personnel] 1999, American Psychological Association</ref>

A minority of researchers, sometimes known as [[Wikipedia:Queer theory|'queer theorists']], believe that the concept of sexual orientations is a [[Wikipedia:social construct|social construct]] and that people naturally exhibit a variety of attractions. Some furries also subscribe to this view.<ref>[http://pressedfur.coolfreepages.com/essay/postvixen/index.html "Sitting On the Third Side of the Fence"] by Hannah Kincaid from [[Pressed Fur]]</ref> Although he did not advocate the social construct theory, [[Wikipedia:Alfred Kinsey|Dr. Alfred Kinsey]] stated that "[[Males]] do not represent two discrete populations, heterosexual and homosexual... The living world is a continuum in each and every one of its aspects."<ref name="scale">[http://www.kinseyinstitute.org/research/ak-hhscale.html "Kinsey's Heterosexual-Homosexual Rating Scale"] from the [http://www.kinseyinstitute.org Kinsey Institute].</ref> He postulated a [[Wikipedia:Kinsey Scale|scale]] of sexual preferences from zero to six, zero being exclusively heterosexual.<ref name="scale"/>

==Social attitudes among furries==
''[[The Sociology of Furry Fandom]]'', a 2002 paper by [[David J. Rust]] hosted at [http://www.visi.com/~phantos/furrysoc.html The Darken Hollow], found that "race, religion and sexual orientation (as divisive factors) are simply too minor to attract any real attention" and that furries have "higher tolerance for variety in sexual orientation and activity".<ref name="rust"/>

A small yet significant minority of furries self-identify as [[Christian furs|Christian]].<ref name="rust"/> Some of them believe in the [[Wikipedia:the bible and homosexuality|traditional Christian view]] that homosexual conduct is immoral and that homosexuals should be [[Wikipedia:celibacy|celibate]]. Other [[Christian furs]] believe that the Bible verses and [[Wikipedia:sacred tradition|sacred traditions]] cited against homosexuality are misinterpreted.<ref name="ark">[http://community.livejournal.com/rainbow_ark The furries of 'Rainbow Ark'] [http://community.livejournal.com/rainbow_ark/profile take this view]</ref> Both sides maintain a cordial relationship with each other and try to promote mutual understanding.<ref name="ark"/> [http://www.gaychristian.net/greatdebate.php This website] summarizes the arguments in the debate.

==Why does it seem that many furries are homosexual or bisexual?==

===General surveys===

Estimates of the incidence of homosexuality in the general population vary greatly, due in part to the lack of reliable survey data and the difficulty in defining [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_orientation sexual orientations].<ref name="wiki">[[Wikipedia:Demographics of sexual orientation|Demographics of sexual orientation]] at [[Wikipedia]]. Retrieved September 28th, 2007.</ref> [[Wikipedia:Alfred Kinsey|Dr. Alfred Kinsey's]] work ''[[Wikipedia:Sexual Behavior in the Human Male|Sexual Behavior in the Human Male]]'' found that "46% of the male population had engaged in both heterosexual and homosexual activities, or "reacted to" persons of both sexes, in the course of their adult lives". In addition, the book stated that "10% of males in the sample were predominantly homosexual between the ages of 16 and 55".<ref>[http://www.kinseyinstitute.org/research/ak-data.html Research Summary] from the [http://www.kinseyinstitute.org Kinsey Institute].</ref> Kinsey's book, and its companion ''[[Wikipedia:Sexual Behavior in the Human Female|Sexual Behavior in the Human Female]]'', have received [[Wikipedia:Sexual Behavior in the Human Male#Criticism|vocal criticism]] for their findings and methodology.<ref>[http://www.leaderu.com/jhs/reisman.html "Kinsey and the Homosexual Revolution"] by [[Wikipedia: Judith Reisman|Dr. Judith Reisman]]</ref><ref>[http://www.swlearning.com/quant/kohler/stat/biographical_sketches/bio15.1.html Biography of Statician] [[Wikipedia:John Tukey|John W. Tukey]]</ref><ref>[[Wikipedia:Human Events|Human Events]] calls the Kinsey Report the fourth [http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=7591 Most Harmful Book of the 19th and 20th Centuries].</ref> ''[[Wikipedia:The New York Times|The New York Times]]'' called his research "conscientious and comprehensive"<ref>Pomeroy, Wardell (1972). Dr. Kinsey and the Institute for Sex Research. New York: Harper & Row.</ref> and Professor [[Wikipedia:Martin Duberman]|Martin Duberman]] called it "skillful" and "a monumental endeavor".<ref>[Book review of] '''[http://www.amazon.com/Alfred-C-Kinsey-Public-Private/dp/0393040860 Alfred C. Kinsey : A Public/Private Life]''' originally published in ''[[Wikipedia:The Nation|The Nation]]''.</ref>

Several recent surveys done in [[Wikipedia:Western world|Western countries]] such as [[Wikipedia:Canada|Canada]], [[Wikipedia:Australia|Australia]], and the [[Wikipedia:United States|United States]] typically define between 1% and 10% of the general population, which an average around 5%, as homosexual or bisexual.<ref>[[Wikipedia:Demographics of sexual orientation|Demographics of sexual orientation]] at [[Wikipedia]]. Accessed December 31, 2007.</ref> The British government conducted a country-wide survey in 2005 as part of the [[Wikipedia:Civil_Partnership_Act_2004|''Civil Partnership Act'']]. This study, the only official government study of its kind, stated that 6% of the [[Wikipedia:United Kingdom|United Kingdom]] would be interested in forming a [[Wikipedia:civil union|civil union]].<ref>[http://www.nihe.gov.uk/publications/consultation_documents/Draft%20Policy%20Statement%20on%20SO%20Dec06.pdf Sexual Orientation Policy Statement Draft for Consultation] (pdf)</ref>

===Fandom surveys===

There are multiple estimates of the percentage of gays in the furry fandom. It is often thought within the fandom that the number is high, possibly as high as 90%,<ref name="rust"/> but polls have shown differences in estimation.

*A 2007 [[Wikipedia:University of California, Davis|University of California at Davis]] study found that 37.3% of respondents were bisexual, 32.7% heterosexual, 25.5% homosexual, and 8% were [[Wikipedia:questioning|uncertain]].<ref>[http://studyf3.livejournal.com/1383.html "Furry Survey Results"] from University of California, Davis: Department of Psychology. Published 2007-05-05. Accessed 2007-05-05.</ref>
* A poll used in ''[[The Sociology of Furry Fandom]]'', a 2002 paper by [[David J. Rust]] hosted at [http://www.visi.com/~phantos/furrysoc.html The Darken Hollow], showed 25% heterosexual, 19% homosexual, and 48% bisexual out of 360 peopled polled.<ref name="rust">[http://www.visi.com/~phantos/furrysoc.html The Sociology of Furry Fandom]. Retrieved October 19, 2006.</ref> Rust concluded that "Truth be told, there are many more homosexual members of the fandom than in general society."<ref name="rust"/>
* A poll (of indeterminable date, but before 2005) on the [[IFPL]] used the [[Wikipedia:Kinsey scale|Kinsey scale] to rate the measure of homosexuality in respondents:
{| border="2" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;"
|-
|- style="background-color: #C6E3FF"
| 12.9%
| (63/487)
| 0
| Exclusively heterosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #A7B1EE"
| 18.3%
| (89/487)
| 1
| Predominately heterosexual, incidentally homosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #CBABE2"
| 18.7%
| (91/487)
| 2
| Predominately heterosexual, more than incidentally homosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #CF71EE"
| 14.8%
| (72/487)
| 3
| Equally heterosexual and homosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #DF99D4"
| 11.3%
| (55/487)
| 4
|Predominately homosexual, more than incidentally heterosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #F79FD1"
| 16.0%
| (78/487)
| 5
| Predominately homosexual, incidentally heterosexual
|-
|- style="background-color: #FFB1D8"
| 8.0%
| (39/487)
| 6
| Exclusively homosexual
|}
* A 2006 [http://faod.org/ FAOD] poll showed 25% heterosexual, 20% homosexual, and 55% bisexual (out of 44 polled)<ref>[http://faod.org/index.php?topic=179.0 FAOD Message Board]</ref>.
* A [[Furtopia]] poll (open 2003 to present) stated that 53% were heterosexual, 15% gay, and 30% bisexual out of 862 people polled.<ref>[http://cgi.furtopia.org/cgi-bin/ib311/ikonboard.cgi?s=411086f03c728556d957bd1ffd9b528a;act=ST;f=77;t=9074 Furtopia Message Board] Retrieved September 5, 2007.</ref>.
* A [[Furry_Survey|poll]] by [[Alex Osaki]] reported that 42.75% were heterosexual, 16.86% were homosexual, 35.29% were bisexual, and 4.71% self-identified as neither.<ref>[http://www.klisoura.com/ot_furrysurvey.php Furry Poll Results] as of December 30, 2007.</ref>

===Theories===
One viable theory involves [[Mark Merlino]], a former chair of [[ConFurence]] who co-founded the first furry [[conventions]]. [[Crush Yiff Destroy]] has suggested that Merlino actively recruited alternative lifestylers into the fandom, and that this influences furry demographics to this day.<ref>[http://www.crushyiffdestroy.com/show/merlino "Journey to the Center of Mark Merlino"]</ref>. Furries also guess that, since having a [[non-furry]] significant other and raising children may result in a fan having less time and money to devote to the fandom, gays are over-represented because they are less likely to be raising children.{{fact}} Some speculate that the negative [[Wikipedia:social stigma|social stigma]] [[Wikipedia:Furry fandom#Media coverage|attached to the fandom]] keeps away heterosexual [[mundanes]] who would otherwise feel interested. David Rust has stated that "The social variations for Furries may seem unusual from a generic, American viewpoint. However, from the position of a group of people who are already predisposed to enjoying anthropomorphic animals, other concepts such as homosexuality... seem somewhat mundane and unimportant by comparison."<ref name="rust"/>

Others guess that gays are not over-represented, but that they are simply much more likely to be open about their sexual orientation among their fellow fans than they are in other areas of their life.{{fact}}
One other theory is that the demographics of the fandom is reasonably close to the general population. It just happens that people who become furries, a [[Wikipedia:Coming out|'coming out']] of sorts, become more exposed to alternate lifestyles and may reconsider their own sexuality, which might result in a paralell [[Wikipedia:Coming out|'coming out']].{{fact}}

== References ==
<references/>

==See also==
*[[Wikipedia:gay|'Gay']] at [[Wikipedia]]

[[Category:Relationship terms]]
[[Category:Sociology]]

User talk:Boingo

2008-01-01T23:31:55Z

Boingo: Oops. I dicked up the indenting

Welcome to [[WikiFur]]! Thank you for registering an account. We here at [[WikiFur]] look forward to working with you. [[Forum:Help desk|Let us know]] if you need any [[help]] not already provided. If you would like help creating an article or just editing it, don't hesitate to consult the [[Help:Furry Book of Style|Furry Book of Style]] or just contact an [[WikiFur:Administrator|administrator]]. Have a nice day! :-)
--[[User:Rat|Rat]] 01:24, 24 December 2007 (UTC)

== Mechanics ==

How do you mess with the colors/shading on a wiki table? I proposed something like that for [[Talk:Homosexuality|this page]]. [[User:Boingo|Boingo]] 07:49, 27 December 2007 (UTC)

:Same as on a normal HTML table, except that there are certain limitations to prevent problems (most notably, you can't set an image as a background unless you do so via sitewide CSS). Probably what you would find most useful is the background-color style. Have a look at any HTML tutorial out there and you should find some tips on HTML tables that you can put to use here. You might also find [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Table Help:Table] useful. --[[User:GreenReaper|GreenReaper]]([[User talk:GreenReaper|talk]]) 08:05, 27 December 2007 (UTC)

::I made my proposed changes. [[Homosexuality|What do you think?]] [[User:Boingo|Boingo]] 01:24, 28 December 2007 (UTC)

:::Thought the colours were a little strong, so I tweaked them so that the text was more readable. You can do unordered lists using * at the front. --[[User:GreenReaper|GreenReaper]]([[User talk:GreenReaper|talk]]) 01:42, 28 December 2007 (UTC)

== These might be stupid questions... ==

but I still would like to ask:

*Is it always unacceptable to add a link to [[[encyclopedia dramatica]] to a page (Looking something like this: <nowiki>[http://encyclopediadramatica.com/Aeris A satrical take on the 'Mary Sue' phenomenon]</nowiki>), or does it depend on the circumstances?
*What's the policy on using someone's real, birth-cirtificate listed name in their biographical article?
*What's the policy on using real life pictures in biographical articles?
*Since they're so short and they don't really have any prospects for more content, shouldn't the articles '[[bisexual]]' and '[[heterosexual]]' be merged into '[[homosexual]]' to create '[[sexual preference]]'?
[[User:Boingo|Boingo]] 05:03, 29 December 2007 (UTC)
:All content decisions are made on a case by case basis. However, ED rarely makes a good link, due to its habit of putting a highly negative spin on any subject that it covers (except for those which result in the glorification of drama). Its editors are also quite willing to make things up if doing so results in "lulz". For these reasons and others, linking to ED is strongly discouraged, and I would advise you to treat anything you find there with caution. For the specific example you give, there seems no reason not to just use an interwiki link to Wikipedia, which has a perfectly good article on the topic. We would not need to have a separate article as it is not a furry topic.
:Our policy with birth names is to look at whether or not that name is being concealed in any way. For example, many artists actually go by their real names. Others use fan names alongside their real names. Still others make no mention of their real names, even on the websites containing their work. In the latter case, the use of the real name (if you know it) is probably not appropriate. Real names will usually be removed on request from the subject.
:The same thing goes for real life pictures. If you know, or have reason to believe that someone would not want their picture on WikiFur, it is probably best not to put it here. On the other hand, many people do not mind, and it can be a useful means of identification.
:Don't really have an opinion on the last. If you think doing so would make a better encyclopedia, you should do so. --[[User:GreenReaper|GreenReaper]]([[User talk:GreenReaper|talk]]) 06:24, 29 December 2007 (UTC)
::I made the changes. I'd like to ask you some things about the [[sexual preference]] page.
*I wrote a snippet saying that some people think that sexual orientation is an artificial construct and does not really exist. But I don't know of any furries advocating that position besides the one person that I linked.
*I altered the colors on the table so it has the holistic, ying-yang style of intermixed pink and blue. I tried to lighten the colors a lot compared to my first try at it. How does it look now?
*I wrote a section saying that a cordial split exists among Christian furs between those who believe homosexuality is immoral and those who disagree. Is this accurate? Or do all (or nearly all) of the Christian furries accept homosexuality? The only anti-gay-marriage furry that I know of is [[Prince Jeremy]].*
*I'd like to find citations for the theories saying ''since having a [[non-furry]] significant other and raising children may result in a fan having less time and money to devote to the fandom, gays are over-represented because they are less likely to be raising children'' and ''Others guess that gays are not over-represented, but that they are simply much more likely to be open about their sexual orientation among their fellow fans than they are in other areas of their life.''
*One other theory is that the demographics of the fandom is reasonably close to the general population. It just happens that people who become furries (a 'coming out' of sorts) become more exposed to alternate lifestyles (which might result in a paralell 'coming out'). I considered adding this to the article, but I didn't because it seems overly speculative.
[[User:Boingo|Boingo]] 07:32, 31 December 2007 (UTC)

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Based on his infamous "you all belong in concentration camps" comment. [[User:Boingo|Boingo]] 23:44, 31 December 2007 (UTC)

:I have made [http://furry.wikia.com/index.php?title=Sexual_preference&diff=177377&oldid=177376 further edits]. Some general points:
:*If you are intending to move one page to another title, use the Move tab at the top rather than cut and pasting. Doing the latter breaks the edit history, and deprives others of the credit for their prior edits, which is required for [[WikiFur:Copyrights|GFDL]] compliance.
:*Link to Wikipedia by using <nowiki>[[Wikipedia:Article name|text to display]]</nowiki>.
:*Per the [[WikiFur:Furry Book of Style|style guide]], only the first word of titles should be capitalized unless the word would normally be capitalized (like a name).
:*Use a spellchecker. :-) If you use a [http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/all-beta.html recent beta of Firefox] it will have one built in.
:To answer your questions:
:*The table looks fine to me.
:*I suspect there are some who are less than enthused about it, but I do not know for sure. You could always ask the community of Christian furs (or see if the question has been asked already). Jeremy would be an outlier for most purposes.
:*I'm not sure you can really get a citation for that, but you could give examples of involvement in such activities. For example, very significant proportions of the leadership at [[convention]]s and other furry events are gay, including key members of (at least) [[List of conventions by attendance|the top five event by attendance]], as well as the larger ones overseas. I should note that leadership in this area is not exclusive - as far as I know, there is no "anti-breeder" bias - but if you look closely it is a very clear trend. It might be because gay community members are more interested in organizing communal events. I don't know.
:*Possible. I think the current situation is a combination of this effect and others. Again, more research is required. --[[User:GreenReaper|GreenReaper]]([[User talk:GreenReaper|talk]]) 21:43, 1 January 2008 (UTC)

:::I apologize for messing up the move (I only did it once before in my Wikipedia days). I didn't realize how to use the Wikilink code until I was about halfway through editing the page; I'll use it the correct way in the future.
:::*''I suspect there are some who are less than enthused about it, but I do not know for sure. You could always ask the community of Christian furs'' I've read a lot of furries' livejournals but I don't have one myself (and- to be honest with you- I really do not want one, especially after reading several "if I see him again, I'll rip his f*cking throat out" posts.) Has [[Kendricks]] been editing on Wikifur recently? Could I ask him on his talk page?
:::*''Jeremy would be an outlier for most purposes.'' I don't know what you mean by "outlier".
:::*''as far as I know, there is no "anti-breeder" bias - but if you look closely it is a very clear trend'' I don't know what "anti-breeder" means. I'm a compete noob, so I don't know the furry lexicon (Please resist the urge to choke my neck with your mind as you type your response).
:::*''Possible. I think the current situation is a combination of this effect and others. Again, more research is required.'' I see. I think the [[Sexual_preference#Theories|theories section]] does a good job of describing every viewpoint. [[User:Boingo|Boingo]] 23:15, 1 January 2008 (UTC)

Kendricks

2008-01-01T23:15:52Z

Boingo: Redirecting to Kendricks Redtail

#REDIRECT [[Kendricks Redtail]]