Originating in the 1970s, what was then called “gay and lesbian studies” focused on uncovering lesbian and gay history. Literary theory was quickly brought in from literature departments as a central method of analysis.

Gay and Lesbian Studies (Roots of Queer Studies)

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

Georgetown University

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

Examples of Sexual Orientations

American Psychological Association. (2008). Sexual Orientation and Homosexuality. American Psychological Association. Retrieved September 23, 2021, from https://www.apa.org/topics/lgbtq/orientation. 

Sexual Orientation and Homosexuality (APA)

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?

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