Various sexual orientations and their explanations
Individuals' sexualities or orientations refer to their attraction, either romantically or sexually, towards particular genders. People might identify with various sexualities throughout their lives, and these orientations can shift over time. This adaptability is normal and indicative of a fluid sexuality.
In this exploration, we delve into what sexuality means and provide definitions for several sexual orientations.
We additionally offer resources, such as support groups and clinics, for those seeking guidance and understanding in their sexual journey.
An observation on identity labels
In this article, we utilize sexual, romantic, and gender identity definitions from LGBTQIA+ and ally sources. It is crucial to remember that individuals have the right to define their own identities, and these definitions may differ among people. Always respect and use the pronouns and identities that an individual prefers.
What is sexuality?
A person's sexuality, or sexual orientation, determines whom they feel drawn to, romantically or sexually. This attraction is usually rooted in either physical or emotional connections.
Sexual attraction denotes a person's desire to engage in sexual activities or form a sexual relationship with other individuals. This attraction may also signify a physical fascination or lack thereof.
Romantic attraction, on the other hand, describes the emotional connection and love a person develops within a relationship. It is important to note that a person does not have to experience both romantic and sexual attraction to possess a sexuality.
There are numerous sexual orientations, and individuals may identify with one or more based on their preferences. While a person's sexuality might evolve over time, this is a natural process.
Types of sexuality
Here are some common sexual orientations with their respective definitions.
Alloromantic
Individuals who identify as alloromantic experience romantic attraction towards others.
Allosexual
Allosexual is an umbrella term that encompasses individuals who primarily feel sexual attraction towards others. They may also express a desire to engage in sexual activities with their partners.
Those who identify with this orientation may also align themselves with other sexualities, such as being gay, lesbian, or bisexual.
Androsexual
People who identify as androsexual are attracted to masculinity, regardless of a person's assigned gender at birth.
Aromantic
Those who identify as aromantic may not experience romantic attraction towards others. They might prefer relationships based solely on friendship.
It's important to note that a person's romantic attraction can vary from their sexual attraction. For instance, someone may not feel romantic attraction but still experience sexual attraction to certain individuals.
Asexual
Asexuality is an umbrella term that covers various sexual orientations. According to the LGBTQIA Resource Center, asexuality can be viewed as a spectrum. Some individuals may experience no sexual or romantic attraction towards others, while others might exhibit varying degrees of sexual or romantic attraction.
Asexual individuals may still participate in sexual activities, and it's essential to respect their choices and preferences.
Some orientations that fall under the asexuality spectrum include:
- Sex-averse: Individuals who are averse to or uninterested in sexual activities and behavior.
- Sex-favorable: People who have positive feelings towards sexual activities in certain scenarios.
- Sex-indifferent: Those who feel neutral towards sexual activities and behavior.
- Sex-repulsed: Individuals who are repulsed by sexual activities and behavior.
- Cupiosexual: People who do not feel sexual attraction but still desire a sexual relationship or engage in sexual activities.
- Libidoist asexual: Individuals who identify as asexual but experience sexual desires that they can fulfill through self-stimulation or masturbation.
- Graysexual: People who experience sexual attraction infrequently or not very intensely.
- Grayromantic: Individuals who may experience romantic attraction rarely or not very strongly.
Autoromantic
Those who are autoromantic are romantically attracted to themselves. It's essential to note that this does not mean they exclude romantic attraction towards others.
Autosexual
People who identify as autosexual are sexually attracted to themselves. Like those who are autoromantic, individuals who are autosexual may also experience sexual attraction towards others.
Bicurious
Bicurious individuals are interested in exploring sexual or romantic relationships with people of the same gender.
Biromantic
Biromantic individuals experience romantic but not necessarily sexual attraction towards more than one gender.
Bisexual
Individuals who identify as bisexual can be of any gender. Bisexuality implies that someone is attracted to their own gender and others or to people regardless of their gender.
Demiromantic
People who identify as demiromantic typically do not feel romantic attraction towards individuals they have not developed a strong emotional bond with.
Demisexual
Demisexual individuals usually only feel sexual attraction towards people with whom they have an established emotional bond.
Gay
People who identify as gay mainly feel sexual attraction towards individuals of the same gender.
Individuals often utilize this phrase to signify males who harbor romantic and sexual feelings towards other males. Within the community, however, this term serves as an all-encompassing label.
Gynesexual or Gynesexuality
Individuals identifying as Gynesexual experience sexual attraction towards women, females, and anything associated with femininity, regardless of their assigned gender at birth.
Heteroromantic
Heteroromantics may develop romantic feelings, yet not necessarily sexual ones, towards individuals of a distinct gender.
Heterosexuality
People identifying as heterosexual or "straight" typically feel both romantic and sexual attraction towards individuals of a different gender.
Homoromantic
Homoromantic individuals are romantically drawn to those of the same gender but may not experience sexual attraction towards them.
Homosexuality
Homosexuality refers to individuals emotionally and physically attracted to people of the same gender.
The LGBTQIA Resource Center states that this term is outdated and may carry negative connotations due to its historical baggage.
Lesbian
Women who identify as lesbian usually feel both romantic and sexual attraction towards other women.
Some nonbinary people, those who do not align with the traditional male-female gender structure, might also identify as lesbians, as they may feel a closer connection to womanhood and are primarily attracted to women.
Monosexual
Monosexual is an umbrella term encompassing all sexual orientations that feel a romantic or sexual attraction towards only one gender.
The sexual orientations encompassed by this term include heterosexuality, gay, and lesbian.
Multisexual
Multisexual is a broad term that encompasses all sexual orientations where individuals are attracted to more than one gender.
Some sexual orientations falling under this term include bisexuality and omnisexuality.
Pansexual and Omnisexual
These sexual orientations refer to people who feel attraction towards individuals of all genders and sexes.
These individuals often do not consider gender a factor in sexual or romantic attraction.
While there may be similarities between these two terms and bisexuality and polysexuality, some may prefer one term over another.
Panromantic
Those who are panromantic feel romantic attraction towards individuals of any gender or sex.
Polysexual
People who identify as polysexual have romantic and/or sexual attraction towards more than one gender.
Queer
Individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community may also identify as queer.
Historically, the term queer was used as a derogatory slur, but those under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella now reclaim the term.
It is generally not advisable for individuals outside the community to use this term.
Sexual Fluidity
People's sexuality can be fluid, implying that their sexual orientation may not be fixed, and they may not define themselves by any specific sexuality.
Skoliosexual
People who identify as skoliosexual typically only feel attraction towards individuals who identify as nonbinary.
Spectrasexual
Spectrasexual is a term that refers to individuals who are romantically and sexually attracted to multiple sexualities, genders, and gender identities, but not all of them.
Learn more about LGBTQIA+ resources and evidence-based information at our dedicated hub.
Sexuality on a Spectrum
Some argue that sexuality exists on a spectrum or a sliding scale.
The Kinsey Scale, introduced in 1948, acknowledges that many people may not identify as heterosexual or homosexual.
The scale features six ratings, with an additional category:
- 0: Exclusively heterosexual
- 1: Predominantly heterosexual, with occasional homosexual feelings
- 2: Predominantly heterosexual but has experienced homosexual feelings
- 3: Equally attracted to both heterosexual and homosexual individuals
- 4: Predominantly homosexual with occasional heterosexual feelings
- 5: Exclusively homosexual
- X: No sexual contacts or reactions
Although revolutionary at the time, the scale does not address all possible sexual orientations and identities.
The Trevor Project suggests that there are numerous spectrums focusing on an individual's:
- biological sex
- gender identity
- gender expression
- gender presentation
- sexual orientation
At one end of the sexual orientation spectrum, an individual may only be attracted to women, and at the other end, they may only be attracted to men.
In the middle are those who feel a range of sexual and romantic attraction towards different genders and sexes.
It is essential to remember that an individual may feel different types of attraction towards different genders. For instance, an individual may feel sexual attraction towards one or more genders but primarily romantic attraction towards yet another gender.
Furthermore, an individual may identify with one sexual orientation while experiencing different levels of sexual and romantic attraction within that orientation. An example of this is one person who identifies as bisexual might have stronger sexual attraction towards men but primarily feel romantic attraction towards women.
Why is sexuality important?
An individual's sexuality determines who they develop romantic or sexual feelings towards. Labeling their sexuality can help individuals deal with any oppression or challenges they may face, in addition to connecting with a supportive community.
Understanding the terminology associated with other sexual orientations can help individuals better comprehend another person's sexuality, enhancing communication and empathy.
People don't necessarily have to categorize themselves into a specific sexual orientation.
People's sexual orientations might evolve over time, and they might fall under a broad term but fail to find a label that truly aligns with their experiences.
However, some individuals might find solace in identifying with a particular sexual or romantic orientation label, as it allows them to connect with individuals who share similar experiences.
Where can someone seek assistance?
Various organizations and clinics exist to provide support to individuals in need. Some of these include:
- *The Trevor Project: This organization offers information and assistance to the LGBTQ+ community.
- *Audre Lorde Project: Based in New York City, this organization advocates for social justice for individuals identifying as LGBTSTGNC people of color.
- *Zuna Institute: This advocacy organization focuses on the health, public policy, economic development, and education of Black lesbians.
- *National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance: This organization aims to empower LGBTQ+ individuals of Asian and Pacific Islander descent through movement capacity building, policy advocacy, and representation.
- *The American Institute of Bisexuality: Also known as the Bi Foundation, this organization supports people identifying as bisexual.
- *CenterLink: This website enables users from the United States, Australia, Canada, Colombia, China, and Uganda to find local LGBTQIA+ community centers.
- *Equality Federation: This federation provides a directory of statewide LGBTQIA+ organizations.
Explore mental health resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does LGBTQIA+ represent?
LGBTQIA+ is an inclusive term encompassing various sexual and gender identities.
LGBTQIA+ consists of:
- lesbian
- gay
- bisexual
- transgender
- questioning or queer
- intersex
- asexual
The ‘+’ symbolizes individuals belonging to other LGBTQIA+ communities and allies.
What does ‘closeted’ imply?
The term ‘closeted’ refers to individuals who have not shared their gender identity or sexual orientation with others. Various reasons might prompt someone to conceal their gender or sexual identity, such as fear of others' reactions.
It is essential to remember that no one is required to reveal their gender identity or sexual orientation if they choose not to. Additionally, it is imperative to never disclose someone else's gender identity or sexual orientation without their consent, a practice commonly referred to as ‘outing’.
In the context of mental health, predictive modeling may be utilized to identify individuals at risk of developing depression or bipolar disorders, particularly in relation to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment outcomes. For instance, an individual with NSCLC and a high risk score based on their depression and bipolar history might benefit from additional mental health support during their treatment.
Individuals seeking guidance on their sexual identity can turn to aqueous-oriented therapies, also known as aq therapy. These treatments aim to help individuals understand and explore their sexual feelings, orientations, and preferences, potentially assisting those who identify as asexual or experience sexual fluidity.