I'm leaning towards B, given her profession. She started out the way she did because she felt sexual attraction towards men and women, otherwise she wouldn't have offered her services to both. 

In regards to her statement, I think she was trying to imply that John really did feel affection for Sherlock; let's admit it, she shipped them from the get-go, with the lines about not punching Sherlock's nose and teeth ('Somebody loves you.'). I think she's saying, 'And I am. Look at us both,' and meaning, 'look at us poor people, in love with this man and defying our own standards.' But hey, that's just me. 

Yes, I think there was something in that "couple" comment, showing John that he does have a special relationship with Sherlock.  (Although I'm not sure what her agenda is there.  And I do think she does have an agenda at this meeting.  She didn't just fancy a chat with John).

I wouldn't read too much into her choice of clients.  It's paid work, and I believe most buyers are male (and as a sad reflection of our society, maybe, most of the people in powerful positions that she keeps information from are probably male).   It's good business to target the male market.  She doesn't have to be attracted to the clients any more than other sex workers have to be attracted to theirs.  And the service probably doesn't include sex (although I do think it's a sexual service).   She doesn't even need to be sexually dominant herself (although I think she is). 

So that aspect doesn't give us much of a clue.   There really aren't many clues at all.  I even wondered if like Sherlock, she sees the whole thing as a weakness, and he is her exception, as she is his.  Not sure about that one, though.

(Edited yet again, for atrocious typos.  Sorry.  I keep doing that).

Last edited by Liberty (July 25, 2014 5:34 pm)

One thing I can say about Irene from actually knowing a dominatrix is that Mycroft/Mark Gatiss got something very wrong: it has nothing to do with sex. It's all about power. So her orientation would have nothing to do with her choice of clients. I believe that she is gay and the only reason she claims to want Sherlock is because she wants to dominate/have power over him.

Mary

I think Mattlock's analysis nailed it.  Neither is attracted to men, but both are attracted to Sherlock.  Although I stand by my belief that's John's attraction is platonic.

Not so with Irene.  What she sees in Sherlock is the mirror of herself: deviously clever and willing to use others for their own ends.  It is a rare thing for each of them to meet someone who stands as their equal.    I think they are fascinated with each other; each gets bored, and each loves playing games. As Irene points out, and is echoed throughout ASIB, "Brainy is the new sexy."  They are drawn to each other in spite of themselves, and each, as we see makes a critical error as a result: Sherlock in allowing himself to believe she just wanted protection and decoding the email to impress her; and Irene in showing her hand by trying to seduce Sherlock, allowing him to figure out her phone code.