Political Crossfire Forums

On the contrary, I think it illuminates the complexity of the problem. Sexual orientation has traditionally referred to gender preferences, you are correct. However, orientation is the perfect word to describe what true pedophiles have. Their brains are literally oriented to desire children. Whereas sexual preference refers to choices one makes within the confines of ones orientation.

If there is another word that more accurately describes it, I would be interested in hearing it.

Scientific terms are defined by scientists. If you want to stick to the colloquial definition because it comforts you, fine, but it really isn't a valid or noteworthy observation.

It's sexual orientation, not gender orientation. As in some people are oriented sexually to a particular gender or whatever but some people are oriented sexually toward inanimate objects, animals, both sexes etc.

In other words not all sexual orientations are towards a particular gender so that definition is clearly inadequate.