Sexual diversity

Sexual Diversity refers to the wide range of sexual orientations and identities that exist beyond traditional heteronormative systems. It encompasses a variety of identities including, but not limited to, homosexuality, bisexuality, asexuality, and pansexuality. Sexual diversity also includes gender identity and gender expression, which are separate but related concepts.

Sexual Orientation

Sexual orientation is a term used to describe a person's enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attractions to men, women, both genders, neither gender, or another gender. It is distinct from other components of sex and gender, including biological sex, gender identity (the psychological sense of being male or female), and social gender role (the cultural norms that define feminine and masculine behavior).

Homosexuality

Homosexuality is the sexual attraction, romantic love, or emotional attraction toward people of the same sex. The term 'gay' is often used to refer to people who are attracted to the same sex, particularly men, though it can also be used for women.

Bisexuality

Bisexuality is the sexual attraction, romantic love, or emotional attraction toward both males and females, or to more than one gender. Bisexual people may not be equally attracted to both sexes, and the degree of attraction may vary over time.

Asexuality

Asexuality is the lack of sexual attraction to others, or low or absent interest in or desire for sexual activity. It may be considered a sexual orientation or the lack thereof.

Pansexuality

Pansexuality is the sexual, romantic, or emotional attraction towards people regardless of their sex or gender identity. Pansexual people may refer to themselves as gender-blind, asserting that gender and sex are insignificant or irrelevant in determining whether they will be sexually attracted to others.

Gender Identity and Expression

Gender identity is a personal conception of oneself as male, female, both, neither, or somewhere in between. This can be the same or different from their sex assigned at birth. People who do not identify with the sex they were assigned at birth may describe themselves as transgender. Gender expression refers to the external manifestation of one's gender identity, usually expressed through behavior, clothing, haircut, voice, or body characteristics.

See Also

• LGBT
• Queer
• Sexual orientation and gender identity