Richard is homosexual and has been for many years. Ever since high school, he knew that he was gay, although he often wished that he was heterosexual. The fact that Richard is sexually attracted to men and not to women defines his sexual ________.

A) attachment
B) identification
C) orientation
D) preference

Sexual orientation refers to the gender(s) that a person is sexually attracted to. In this scenario, Richard's attraction to men defines his sexual orientation. A is not the best choice, as attachment refers to a more emotional connection between individuals. B is not the best choice, as identification refers to how someone identifies themselves in terms of gender or sexual orientation, rather than who they are attracted to. D is not the best choice, as preference implies that Richard has a choice in who he is attracted to, when in reality sexual orientation is not a choice.