Attraction is a funny thing. I've always been drawn to a certain type of man, for as long as I've been old enough to be aware of men as a distinctly different entity than myself, a female. Early on it manifested as an attraction to the "bad boy" type, and I'm well aware that this is a pretty common phase for most women. In me, it never really subsided, but as I got older, and more self aware, it shifted a bit.
Now, at middle age, I'm still attracted to that same type, but I've also realized that what I'm actually attracted to is an air of self confidence that shows in a specific way. I like people that do not automatically follow the crowd, who think independently, who don't disguise their true selves in order to fit in. I'm not a fan of rebellion for it's own sake, and have little patience for those who are. The distinction matters.
My point is this - attraction is what it is. My attraction to a specific type was troublesome for several years, but once I saw the real draw, I was able to make better choices. However, trying to ignore my attraction to "bad boys' and instead date "nice guys" - men I wasn't attracted to - would have been stupid. Not only would it have been dumb to do to myself, it would have been completely shitty thing to do to whomever I chose to date.
Attraction is hardwired. I'm not attracted to independent-minded women, despite my strong attraction to independent-minded men. I like them, I'm just not attracted to them. That's because I'm heterosexual - why would it be any different for someone who is homosexual?
Edited to correct grammar error.