Are you born homosexual?

I have always questioned how folks become homosexual. I have heard that people can become that way due to sexual abuse or something tragic that happens to them when they are young. I then read this article that suggests they are born that way. I tend to think that maybe they are but I am no expert on the matter. But if it is genetics, then how can they become something they are not (heterosexual)?

It is just like my alcoholism. I was probably born with the addictive gene and it does tend to run on my dad's side of the family. I was born that way. I can't drink because I tend to like it way too much. But others can enjoy as much as two drinks a day (and it has been known to have health benefits) and that is not a problem for them.

So if it is proven that homosexuals are born that way, then will people that tend to bash them (Yes I'm talking to the church here) back off and accept them for the way they were born?

Here are statements from the British report:
“Opposition to homosexuality reached a peak in the 19th century. What had earlier been regarded as a vice, evolved into a perversion or psychological illness. Official sanction of homosexuality both as illness and (for men) a crime led to discrimination, inhumane treatments and shame, guilt and fear for gay men and lesbians.” (The change in attitudes began with the American Psychiatric Association’s 1973 statement that there was no scientific evidence that homosexuality was a disorder. Others health groups followed.)

“…there is no substantive evidence to support the suggestion that the nature of parenting or early childhood experiences play any role in the formation of a person’s fundamental heterosexual or homosexual orientation.”

“It would appear that sexual orientation is biological in nature, determined by a complex interplay of genetic factors and the early uterine environment. Sexual orientation is therefore not a choice, though sexual behavior clearly is.”

“LGB people have exactly the same rights and responsibilities concerning the expression of their sexuality as heterosexual people.”

“Although there have been claims by conservative political groups in the USA that this higher prevalence of mental health difficulties is confirmation that homosexuality is itself a mental order, there is no evidence whatever to substantiate such a claim.”

“There is already good evidence that marriage confers health benefits on heterosexual men and women and similar benefits could accrue from same-sex civil unions. Legal and social recognition of same-sex relationships is likely to reduce discrimination, increase the stability of same-sex relationships and lead to better physical and mental health for gay and lesbian people.”