Lesbianism has competing definitions, but the most widely understood meaning is romantic and/or sexual attraction exclusively to women, by women.

Lesbianism

Bisexuality is romantic and/or sexual attraction to people of male and female sex/gender.

Bisexuality

While “gay” was at one point used just to describe romantic and/or sexual attraction exclusively to men, by men, it has grown to also be used by both men and women who are attracted to people of the same gender.

Asexuality is defined by a lack of sexual attraction to anyone or having little to no interest in sexual activities, although asexuality includes a spectrum of identities. 

Asexuality 

Romantic and/or sexual attraction only to people of the “opposite” sex or gender.

Heterosexuality

Queer is used as an umbrella term to describe sexuality and gender identities outside of those prescribed by society (for example, those that are not cisgender or heterosexual). There is disagreement over whether some identities “count” as queer, and this is not a term that all people who may fall under the umbrella would use to describe themselves.

Queer (as a sexual orientation)

Introductory  studies have shown that MBSR can be useful in reducing the general and minority-specific stress experienced by queer individuals, especially in regions without sufficient anti-discrimination policies

Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction for LGBTQ+ Individuals

Lesbian is a term for a sexual orientation where individuals who identify as women are attracted to other people of the same gender or sex.

Lesbian Sexual Orientation

Gay is a term for a sexual orientation where individuals are attracted to other people of the same gender or sex. It is often used to describe men who are attracted to men, but can be used more broadly as well.

Gay Sexual Orientation

Bisexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by attraction to people of one's own gender as well as another gender.

Bisexual Orientation

Heterosexuality, also commonly referred to as being 'straight,' is a sexual orientation defined by attraction to individuals of a different gender or sex.

Heterosexual Orientation

Pansexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by attraction to people without regard to their sex, gender identity, or gender expression.

Pansexual Orientation

An individual describes their feelings of attraction by saying, 'I find myself romantically and emotionally drawn to people, but their gender isn't a factor in that attraction. I've been attracted to men, women, and non-binary individuals. It's the person's personality and our connection that matters to me.' Based on this description, which of the following terms best fits this individual's orientation?

- Lesbian
- Gay
- Homosexuality 
- Bisexual
- Queer
- Heterosexual/Straight
- Asexual
- Pansexual

Arizona State University

Trinity College (CT)

Georgetown University

Google

Sexual orientation (or sexuality) has multiple dimensions and is a person's identity in relation to the gender(s) they are physically and/or emotionally attracted to. It concerns an individuals romantic, emotional, and/or erotic attraction towards others (or the absence of).

Sexual Orientation

Wikipedia

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Intersectionality refers to how multiple systems of oppression experienced at the same time create a different experience of oppression than if experienced individually. These systems include sexism and racism, and this intersectionality can be observed in the Hyper-sexuality of Africans:

- African women have been portrayed as highly sexual and lusty
- African men have been portrayed as savage sexual predators
- African sexualities have been used to justify racism
- Since African women were portrayed as over-sexualized they were raped by slave owners; African men could be lynched because they were seen as dangerous predators

Intersectional Sexualities-TW

Social and cultural institutions exert social control over sexuality, this can be seen in many contexts:

- Women become sexually mature during puberty (which typically occurs from 12-16 years of age) but tend wait until 23 years old (on average) to have children
- Abstinence-only sex education is received at most schools
- Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a medical disorder but was initially understood as a social problem

The Social Control of Sexuality

Contains models pertaining to how people develop their sexual identities.

Models of Sexual Orientation/Identity Development

- sexual behavior
- sexual desires
- sexual identity

3 Dimensions of Sexual Orientation

Examples of Sexual Orientations

Aromanticism describes a romantic orientation where an individual does not experience romantic attraction. This is distinct from asexuality, which is characterized by a lack of sexual attraction.

Aromanticism

Attraction can be categorized into different types, primarily romantic and sexual. Sexual attraction involves erotic interest, and its absence is termed asexuality. In contrast, romantic attraction involves emotional connection, and its absence is termed aromanticism. An individual's romantic and sexual orientations are not necessarily the same.

Comparison of Romantic and Sexual Attraction

Sexual orientations are not always fixed categories but often exist on a spectrum. This means that an individual's feelings of attraction may not fit neatly into a single defined term, reflecting the fluidity and diversity of human sexuality.

Sexual Orientation as a Spectrum

Sexual orientation is understood to be shaped by a combination of factors. While environmental influences like family background and socialization were once thought to be primary determinants, research has consistently refuted this idea. In contrast, a significant body of evidence points to an underlying biological component, supported by findings in genetics, brain structure, and basic physiology. This suggests that sexual orientation is, to a large extent, an innate trait with which individuals are born.

Biological and Environmental Influences on Sexual Orientation

A central finding in sexuality research is that sexual orientation is not a choice but a relatively stable personal characteristic that cannot be fundamentally changed. The scientific consensus is that attempts to alter sexual orientation, such as conversion therapy, are not only ineffective but also potentially harmful to individuals. This consensus refutes claims that sexual orientation can be changed through external interventions.

Sexual Orientation as an Unchangeable Trait

Sexual orientation and gender identity are frequently confused, but they represent different facets of a person's identity. Gender identity is one's internal sense of their own gender, whereas sexual orientation is a separate, though related, concept concerning one's attractions to others. Recognizing them as two distinct concepts is crucial to avoid common misconceptions.

Distinction Between Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

The understanding and expression of sexual orientation are heavily shaped by sociocultural factors, leading to significant variations in definitions and norms across different cultures. For example, while the United States is considered a heteronormative society where heterosexuality is the historical norm, other societies hold different views. In some cultures, such as parts of New Guinea, periods of same-sex sexual activity are socially prescribed as a necessary stage of development for young boys to become men.

Sociocultural Influences on Sexual Orientation

Homophobia is an umbrella term for prejudice and discrimination directed at individuals based on their sexual orientation. It commonly targets non-heterosexual people, including those who are bisexual, lesbian, and gay. In the United States, homophobia is a widespread and often tolerated form of prejudice.

Homophobia

An individual identifies as a woman, is emotionally and romantically attracted to men, but does not experience sexual attraction to people of any gender. Which of the following statements best analyzes this individual's identity based on the provided information?

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