Jamie LeClaire, a sexuality educator, writer, and consultant, spoke to Business Insider about sexuality. They defined sexual identity or orientation as the gender a person is attracted to or if they are interested in sex at all.
There are a plethora of sexual orientations that someone may identify with. Each of them has unique characteristics and qualities. Some can even intersect with another sexuality. Therefore, it is possible for a person to have more than one label attached to their name.
Sexuality tells a lot about a person, so you should be careful at using these labels. You would not want others to misunderstand you just because you incorrectly identified your sexuality. Likewise, you would not want to appear offensive to others because you lack understanding of who they are. So, it is essential that you study the terminologies and what they meant.
Hereafter is a list of commonly used labels or sexual identity terms. Most people would identify with at least one of these identities. Still, there is a chance that you may not find a label that suits you perfectly. If that is the case, do not worry. You will find it one of these days. But with a label or without, know that you are valid, and you are loved. For now, let us look at these eleven to see if any of them fits your sexuality.
Heterosexual
People who identify as heterosexual are more commonly referred to as straight. They are people who experience romantic and sexual attraction to people of the opposite sex. The general population is composed mainly of heterosexuals. Furthermore, most of the characters in dramas, movies, and literature are heterosexual. Thus, they are considered the majority.
Homosexual
This term is used to describe people who are attracted to others of the same sex as them. Gay men and lesbians are considered homosexuals.
The term, however, is now considered outdated and offensive. It has a clinical ring to it, so anti-gay people use the term derogatorily. Through the term, they point out that members of the LGBT community are abnormal, somehow diseased, or psychologically/emotionally disordered. So, you should avoid using this term.
It is a sad thing that extremists like them still exist. Fortunately, more people are accepting LGBT community members. They see that they are equal to heterosexual people, deserving of rights and privileges that the other one enjoys. For example, some countries have allowed same-sex marriage to show support for LGBT community members. Meanwhile, there is an increasing number of non-cisgender representations in works of fiction. Of course, the sex tech industry also took action to promote inclusivity. For instance, they created sex toys specifically for the use of gay or bicurious men.
Asexual
An asexual person is someone who typically does not experience sexual attraction. Asexuality is part of the sexual spectrum, but itself is also a spectrum. There are many forms of asexuality, with varying views about sex and degrees of sexual attraction to people. Some will develop a sexual attraction to a person once they establish a strong emotional connection. On the other hand, some asexuals are completely disinterested or are repulsed by sex and sexual behavior. These people would not even touch a sex toy, let alone a sex doll.
Allosexual
This sexual orientation is the opposite of asexuality. Identifying as an allosexual means you can experience sexual attraction, and you have a desire to have sex. Most people, regardless of their gender, are allosexual.
Admittedly, the term was made to eliminate the idea that being asexual is abnormal.
Lesbian
This term generally refers to women who are attracted to other women. However, some people who do not identify as female may still use the label. As long as they are attracted to women, they can use it.
Some females prefer to use the term lesbian to describe themselves, while some prefer the terms gay and queer.
Gay
If lesbians are women who are attracted to fellow women, gays are typically men attracted to other men. While that is how the term was used historically, it has now gotten a new meaning. Now, being gay means a person experiences sexual and romantic attraction to people of the same sex or gender. For that reason, the term gay can now be used interchangeably with lesbian.
Monosexual
Those who are monosexual are attracted exclusively to only one gender. Straight people are the prime example, for they are only attracted to people of the opposite gender – male to female, female to male. Gay men and lesbians also fall into this category.
Bisexual
Historically, a bisexual person is someone who experiences attraction towards both men and women. It could be to an equal degree, or they could prefer one more than the other.
In the modern-day, however, the meaning of bisexuality has been updated. It is now used to describe attraction to people of the same gender and of any gender that is different from theirs. Also, it does not limit itself to two genders. The new take on bisexuality is more inclusive, so it is preferred.
Polysexual
A polysexual person can experience sexual or romantic attraction to many types of gender, but not to all of them. With that logic, a bisexual attracted to more than to genders are considered polysexual.
Pansexual
This term refers to those who experience attraction to people of any gender. Because of their nature, sexuality labels do not matter to them. If they think a person is great, they can develop feelings for that person, regardless of their sex or gender.
Some people say pansexuality and bisexuality are the same things, while others refuse to do so. Certain qualities are different between the two. Again, being bisexual means a person is attracted to one or more gender. The case is different for each individual. Some bisexuals may be attracted to lesbians, while others are not. In contrast, all pansexuals can be attracted to anyone.
Queer
This term had a long history. For a time, queer is a term that is used derogatorily for those within the LGBTQIA community. Now, it has resurfaced as an umbrella term for anyone who is not heterosexual or allosexual.
It also became a catchall term that anyone who is still unsure of their sexuality can use. If you did not relate to any of the ten above, you could identify yourself as a queer for now. That is if you would like to do it. You do not really have to. Self-discovery can take a long time, do not rush yourself. Move at your own pace. Just remember that you will always have someone who will support you no matter what your sexuality is. You are valid; you are loved.
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