Sexual identity
The term sexual identity refers to how you would describe yourself in terms of sexual or romantic attraction to other people. It is part of your identity, so who you are. It is often confused with sexual orientation which means who you feel attracted to in a romantic or sexual way. Sexual orientation often relates to the sexual behaviour a person is showing, meaning who they would sexually engage with. Sexual orientation differs from sexual identity in that it encompasses relationships with others, while sexual identity is a concept of self.
It sounds quite complicated but it means that a person who engages in same sex behaviours, does not always need to identify as homosexual/same sex attracted.
There are lots of different terms to describe someone's sexual identity. Here are a few but there are many more options:
* heterosexual (attracted to the opposite gender; another term often used is 'straight')
* homosexual/same sex attracted (attracted to a person of the same sex; also called 'lesbian' or 'gay')
* bisexual (attracted to more that one sex/gender)
* pansexual (attraction described in terms of a person, independent of their gender or sexual identity)
* asexual (a lack of sexual attraction or interest in sexual activity/relationship or romantic involvement)
A person can also be unsure about their sexual identity or be in the process of discovering. This could be expressed by terms like bicurious, questioning or queer.
The ability to express one's sexual identity is also related to their social, cultural and religious environment. Support by family, peers, friends, and other social groups in the process of assessing and expressing one's sexual identity will determine the outcome of this process. Non-acceptance or even rejection of someone's sexual identity can cause severe mental health problems and social isolation.
If you are experiencing challenges with your sexual identity, feeling confused or not supported, feel free to contact Selma van Diest for support.
It sounds quite complicated but it means that a person who engages in same sex behaviours, does not always need to identify as homosexual/same sex attracted.
There are lots of different terms to describe someone's sexual identity. Here are a few but there are many more options:
* heterosexual (attracted to the opposite gender; another term often used is 'straight')
* homosexual/same sex attracted (attracted to a person of the same sex; also called 'lesbian' or 'gay')
* bisexual (attracted to more that one sex/gender)
* pansexual (attraction described in terms of a person, independent of their gender or sexual identity)
* asexual (a lack of sexual attraction or interest in sexual activity/relationship or romantic involvement)
A person can also be unsure about their sexual identity or be in the process of discovering. This could be expressed by terms like bicurious, questioning or queer.
The ability to express one's sexual identity is also related to their social, cultural and religious environment. Support by family, peers, friends, and other social groups in the process of assessing and expressing one's sexual identity will determine the outcome of this process. Non-acceptance or even rejection of someone's sexual identity can cause severe mental health problems and social isolation.
If you are experiencing challenges with your sexual identity, feeling confused or not supported, feel free to contact Selma van Diest for support.
