Identifying oneself in a particular way, makes one adopt unthinkingly features stereotypically linked to that identity. Those ‘self-labelling as gay’ – SLAGs – or ‘self labelling as non-gay’ – SLANGs – or ‘self labelling as bi’ – SLABs – learn what shapes and features in potential sexual objects are stimulating, unstimulating or off-putting. This can simply be a function of their self-label. It is impossible to work out what is ‘inherent’ and what is ‘learnt’ or established through self-fulfilling prophesies. We take our pick between possible contributors to our preferences, without thinking or even noticing: ‘That’s how I am made’ versus ‘That’s what I have trained myself to be’. It is always easier and more comforting to opt for the ‘That’s how I am made’ option.
