Inclinations

Historically all human inclinations outside of acceptable norms were considered pathology. Even something we now recognize as statistically normal like homosexuality was considered a choice, a sin, or some unfortunate twisting of the child during early development. Both religion and society shunned them as outcasts.

There are also choices people make which are considered aberrant. There are sexual practices and fetishises which are frowned upon and thus those who indulge them tend to not speak of it to others. The reality is that there are deviances from norms everywhere in society which to varying degrees become known and tolerated depending on the era or culture. What I am always most interested in is the distinction regarding the amount of choice being exercised by the person. In other words, the proportioning of nature versus nurture built into their desire.

In the past gay and lesbian people were told to suppress their urges as a way to sacrifice to their disapproving God. Never mind that their "lifestyle" didn't actually represent a threat to society even as it was thought that it could spread. The fact this is still sold as an idea by right wing ideologues in 2024 is both regretable and deeply idiotic.

Consider the example within the sphere of gender variance the person who says I am a woman and I must transition contrasted against another who says they cannot explain their self-described compulsion just that they must indulge it. I have regularly seen both of these statements expressed but is there any relational overlap to speak of between these two people?

In the end I conclude that regardless of what society believes, the right approach is one where the person's nature feeds into an overall schema of well-being. Therefore, if their inclinations and subsequent approach do not improve quality of life, then there is work to be done to examine why.

As to societal judgement? It is as fickle as the changing direction of the wind and, given that critical thinking is in such short supply, it's hardly a metric worth giving much weight to.