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SEXUAL AND ROMANTIC ATTRACTION DIVERSITY

Human sexuality is also much more diverse and complicated than you might think! Some people do not develop any sexual attraction in their lives, whereas others may only seek for sex without any romantic feelings. A committed relationship may sometimes involve more than two people if it is an open or polyamorous relationship. Based on their sexual orientation and practices, people have come to identify themselves with certain sexual identity labels. Still, sexual behavior and identity are not always consistent with one another. Each individual understands themselves the best, and thus it is important to respect each other's decision, rather than projecting your own assumptions on others. Here is a list of common sexual orientations. Remember, sexual experience is not a must for your exploration of identity, as you could know even without it.

Heterosexual

A term used for describing individuals who are attracted only to the opposite gender, according to the gender binary.

Lesbian

A woman who is romantically or physically attracted to other women. Gay or Homosexual

A person who is romantically or physically attracted to people of the same gender.

Bisexual

A person who is romantically or physically attracted to their own and other genders. Pansexual

An individual who is romantically or sexually or emotionally attracted to people without limiting in choices based on sex or gender identity.

Asexual

An individual who does not experience sexual attraction. There is considerable diversity among the asexual community; each asexual person experiences things like relationships, attraction, and arousal somewhat differently.

If you do not identify with the terms above, you may use these terms to describe yourself. Never feel pressured to conform to “labels” and use language that makes you feel safe and seen.

Queer

"Queer" was formerly a discriminatory term against sexual/gender minorities, yet activists and scholars have reclaimed the term to question societies where heterosexuality (sexual attraction between men and women) and gendernormativity (men and women have different norms/roles to play) are taken for granted. Thus, queer is now an umbrella term that covers all the non-normative genders and sexualities.

Questioning

A term used to describe those who are in a process of discovery and exploration about their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or a combination thereof.