摘要： 性倾向和性别、种族一样，属于因出生而获得的“不可改变”特征，所以应该得到严格审查，得到宪法的平等保护。这一进路遭到了批评，因为关键问题在于政府立法和性倾向之间是否具有关联性。自然科学关于同性恋生物基础的研究对“不可改变”提供了强有力的支持，而这种本质主义的研究遭到了社会建构主义者强有力的批判，身份政治中的这一争论提醒我们，从“我也无能为力”的诉求中，同性恋权利不能获得真正的力量。

关键词: 性倾向, 不可改变, 平等保护, 本质主义, 建构主义, 身份政治

Abstract: Sexual orientation, like gender and race is an “immutable” trait determined only by the accident of birth, andtherefore the court should recognize Sexual orientation as a suspect classification under the equal protection clause of theconstitution. This approach is criticized, because the pertinent issue is: whether sexual orientation is relevant to legiti-mate governmental purposes. some natural science studies (psychological, biological, and genetic studies)show a biologi-cal basis for sexual orientation, which make“ immutable” approach more convincing. But, social constructivists do not a-gree with this essentialist view of homosexual orientation claims. The debate between Essentialism and Constructivism andthe Politics of gay identity suggests that gay right could not get the real power from the claim “we can not help it”.

Key words: Sexual Orientation, Immutable, Equal Protection, Essentialism, Constructivism, Identity Politics