Queer: an “umbrella term” used to describe being in the LGBTQ+ community.Asexual: people who only form romantic relationships and prefer not to have sex.Pansexual: people attracted to people of all genders.Bisexual: historically, this term has been used to describe people who are attracted to “both genders”.Lesbian: women who are attracted to women.Gay: people attracted to those of the same gender (although this term is typically used for men who are attracted to men, women who are attracted to women may prefer this term for themselves.).Some sexual orientations that you may or may not be familiar with include: Without much access to education regarding gender studies in most schools, it can appear that the terms “bisexual” or “gay” is a lot of “new information.” In reality, many of these terms have been around for decades and the concept of same-gender relationships has existed for hundreds of years. I know this is already a lot of terms to wrap your head around, but that’s just the nature of the evolving language regarding gender identity. There is nothing better or worse about being one or the other.
“Transgender” means that your gender identity is different. “Cisgender” means that your gender identity “matches” the sex that you were born into. A straight man is attracted to women, including cisgender women and transgender women. For the purpose of this quiz, we will be referring to people who identify as the same gender as you. Sex and gender are two different concepts. Whereas sexual orientation determines who you are attracted to, gender identity specifies how you identify yourself. It is a separate concept from gender identity.
Sexual orientation only covers the LGB in LGBT. Take note that sexual orientation is different than gender identity. Examples of sexual orientation include heterosexual (“straight,”) homosexual (“gay,”) bisexual, pansexual, and more. Sexual orientation is an identity that specifies which gender(s) a person finds sexually or romantically attractive. There is more than just “gay” and “straight.” This also gives people more wiggle room to explore themselves and take on the label that works for their life and their feelings. (And if you don’t want to put a label on it, that’s okay, too!)Īs you explore these questions and the results, take some time to familiarize yourself with terms used to describe sexual orientation and gender identity. How you label your sexual orientation and gender identity is ultimately up to you. The results may not be how you later identify, but that is okay. Not sure about your sexual orientation? This quiz is a great place to start.
This change may be uncomfortable to some, but past that discomfort is a chance to truly explore who you are and who you love. We share our pronouns on Zoom calls and use more general terms when talking about partners, spouses, etc. People do not want to assume that everyone around them is straight or cisgender.
How do you identify? This may not be a question you have been asked in the earlier years of your life, but as conversations about gender and sexuality are becoming more prevalent, it’s a more “normal” question to ask.