I think this sentence reveals a depth of misunderstanding about the nature of homosexuality that is probably quite common but is still quite staggering, not to mention patronising. Good institutions should not encourage homosexual people to question their sexuality, but accept it. The very idea that one's sexual preference can be changed at all is highly debatable, nevermind the morality of actually trying to persuade someone that their sexual preference is wrong and in need of change.
I can point to a few reasons why that misunderstanding exists. I often find that ignorance breeds more ignorance and the gay rights issue is too recent for much of society to get beyond that ignorance.
First is lack of experience. I do not like spinach and think that anyone who does has problems. Straight people who don't know gay people, or don't know they know them, have zero experience with homosexuality other than what they see on TV. Everything is based on stereotypes. I still know people that act surprised when you mention that Ellen Degeneres or Elton John are gay, but mention Rosie O'Donnell and they start talking about her holding water back. They need a stereotype to recognize it because non-stereotypical gay people don't stand out like different races do. Some people in my family still don't know my cousin is gay even though she brings a really good friend that she lives with to every single family event. If she wore leather and shaved her head they would figure it out, but she acts and looks like holly homemaker and is a school teacher straight of of a Hallmark Channel movie. So, the only gay people they are always aware of are the ones that act strange, and actions and dress are a chosen behavior.
Next is a couple of terms that used to be commonly used, even within the gay community (in the US at least).
Lifestyle choice. This is pretty self explanatory as to why it confuses people. Choice is in the term. It is now used much, much less than it used to be, but the slightly more common term, that even you just used, is hardly much better.
Sexual preference. I prefer chocolate ice cream over vanilla, but I can still choose between the two. Again, the term sounds like it is regarding a willing and conscious decision. But this one is also falling out of common use.
Fortunately, the media and political spectrums are beginning to use the term sexual orientation.
The hurdle is huge in proving homosexuality is not a choice. If it is a genetic thing then it can be termed a disease or condition. No homosexuals want that. But until there is some biological difference that can be shown then the ignorant will refuse to believe it is anything but a choice. But if you can find it is a biological or even psychological difference then you will inevitably have someone trying to find a "cure."
I just think that science is getting closer and closer to proving that no one is the way they are just because. Every single trait in humans can likely be traced to something biological or psychological. I just hope that when we reach that point society is beyond thinking they can "fix" people.
