Here's The Advocate using the term "sexual preference" literally three weeks ago, without any controversy or disclaimers or anything:
https://twitter.com/robbysoave/status/1316381852039622656/photo/1
I don't want to belabor this point too much because we all know it's going to evaporate as soon as the senate votes on Barrett's nomination. But when people send a clear, unmistakable signal that they're arguing in bad faith, it's important to make a note of that for future reference. Also, we should all push back when people try to gaslight others over stuff like this.