Sexual orientation

Definition

Sexual orientation is an enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, or sexual attractions to men, women, both sexes, neither sex, or another sex. It also includes a person's sense of identity based on those attractions, related behaviors, and membership in a community of others who share those attractions.

Related terms

Gender Identity: The personal sense of one's own gender, which may or may not correspond with their birth sex.

Gender Expression: The external manifestation of one's gender identity through physical appearance, clothing, hairstyle, voice pitch, and behavior.

LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning): A community and umbrella term for individuals who do not identify as heterosexual and/or cisgender