Different types of gayness
Different Sexual Orientation Types
Learning about a few of the most frequent sexual orientation types can verb you talk more clearly and openly with those in your life about who they are and what they want in a partner. Here are some of the most common types of sexual orientation your teen may be exploring:
Heterosexual
Heterosexual, also known colloquially as straight, is a term that describes those that are attracted to the reverse sex. Cisgender individuals (those that identify with their born gender) and transgender individuals (those that transition to a gender other from their birth sex) can both identify as heterosexual.
Gay
While homosexual is a technical term, many people see it as a formal and outdated way to describe people who are attracted to the same or similar gender as themselves. Usually, gay has a masculine connotation, but some women choose to operate this term, as well.
Lesbian
The term lesbian refers to the feminine version of homosexuality. It’s used to identify two women who are attracted to each other. If you have a teen who transitioned from male to
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STUDY GUIDE:
Sexual Orientation and Human Rights
Copyright © Human Rights Education Associates (HREA) All rights reserved.
Introduction
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International and Regional Instruments of Protection
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Advocacy, Educational and Training Materials
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Introduction
What is sexual orientation?
Sexual orientation is an enduring heartfelt, romantic, sexual or affectional attraction to another person. It can be distinguished from other aspects of sexuality including biological sex, gender identity (the psychological sense of being male or female) and the social gender role (adherence to cultural norms for feminine and masculine behavior).
Sexual orientation exists along a continuum that ranges from exclusive homosexuality to exclusive heterosexuality and includes various forms of bisexuality. Bisexual persons can experience sexual, feeling and affectional attractio
Glossary of Terms: LGBTQ
Definitions were drafted in collaboration with other U.S.-based LGBTQ community organizations and leaders. See acknowledgements section.
Additional terms and definitions about gender identity and gender expression, transgender people, and nonbinary people are on hand in the Transgender Glossary.
Are we missing a term or is a definition outdated? Email press@
*NOTE: Ask people what terms they use to describe their sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression before assigning them a label. Outside of acronyms, these terms should only be capitalized when used at the launch of a sentence.
LGBTQ
Acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer. The Q generally stands for queer when LGBTQ organizations, leaders, and media exploit the acronym. In settings offering support for youth, it can also stand for questioning. LGBT and LGBTQ+ are also used, with the + added in recognition of all non-straight, non-cisgender identities. (See Transgender Glossary ) Both are acceptable, as are other versions of thi
47 Terms That Describe Sexual Attraction, Behavior, and Orientation
It’s OK to feel unsure or overwhelmed by all of the terms we now have to describe sexual and romantic orientation, attraction, and behavior.
Expanding the language you use to describe your sexuality can provide important guidance, validation, and access to community while on your journey of sexual self-discovery and satisfaction.
Mere Abrams is a researcher, writer, educator, consultant, and licensed clinical social worker who reaches a worldwide audience through public speaking, publications, social media (@meretheir), and gender therapy and support services practice . Mere uses their personal experience and diverse professional background to support individuals exploring gender and help institutions, organizations, and businesses to increase gender literacy and identify opportunities to demonstrate gender inclusion in products, services, programs, projects, and content.