Sexuality is not about how often you have sex or with whom. Sexuality is how you feel, think, want, and act sexually toward other people. You can find someone attractive because of how they look, act, or make you feel. All of these things are part of your sexuality. Sexuality is different for each person and is a big part of who they are.
Finding out about your sexuality can be a very freeing, exciting, and good thing. Some people are treated badly because of their sexuality. If someone makes you feel bad about being gay, you should talk to someone about it. Keep reading to learn about some of the different types of sexuality.
What is Sexuality?
First, it is important to know that sexuality is not the same as sex or gender identity (for gender-related terms, head right this way). Even though this is a bit of an oversimplification, people often talk about sexuality in terms of "whom you love" instead of "who you are" (i.e., gender identity). Some people might find this hard to understand.
The idea of a person's sexual orientation includes their attraction, or lack it, and their relationships with other people. Even though it is possible to have romantic and emotional feelings as well as sexual ones, romantic orientations are mostly about a person's desire to be in a romantic relationship with that person.
Sometimes, a person's romantic orientation (who they can fall in love with) and sexual orientation (who they want to have a sexual relationship with) can be very different. There are different types of sexuality that you should know about. Read further to get the list of different types of sexuality.
List Of Different Types Of Sexuality
1. Lesbian
Women romantically, sexually, and emotionally attracted to other women are said to have a female-on-female attraction. As was discussed, some lesbians would like to avoid being confused with straight women.
2. Gay
A person is considered gay if they have romantic, sexual, or emotional feelings for someone of the same gender. On the other hand, there are times when women would rather be called lesbians than anything else. The words "gay" and "homosexual" can also be used interchangeably, which could be offensive in some situations.
3. Bisexual
A person is bisexual if they are romantically and emotionally interested in both men and women. But to be bisexual, a person does not have to have slept with someone of the same gender or the opposite gender. And their level of being bisexual can also change over time. It is one of the different types of sexuality.
Suggested Read: Bisexual Dating Apps To Find Your Perfect Match
4. Queer
When someone calls themselves "queer," it is because they think the terms "gay," "lesbian," and "bisexual" don't say enough about their sexuality. It is a word that can be used to include both sexual and gender minorities under one umbrella. It is possible that the "Q" in LGBTQ could also mean "questioning," which would mean that the person is still not sure of their sexual orientation or gender. These different types of sexuality can help you learn more about yourself and your sexual orientation.
5. Heterosexual
People who identify as heterosexual, often known as straight, are attracted to members of the opposite gender on a romantic, emotional, and sexual level. This type of sexual orientation is sometimes referred to as "being straight."
Different Types Of Sexuality6. Bicurious
People who identify as bicurious are interested in wondering whether or not they are attracted to people of the same or the opposite gender. It is similar to how the Q in LGBTQIA+ also stands for questioning.
7. Androsexual
People who call themselves androsexual are sexually, romantically, or physically interested in men as a whole. But it is important to remember that this does not mean that the person they are attracted to must think of themselves as male. It is possible for an androsexual person to be attracted to someone who just looks like a man.
8. Gynesexual
Gynesexuals are people who are sexually and romantically interested in women. Again, this does not mean that the person who interests them has to think of themselves as a woman. A gynesexual person can be attracted to someone who looks like a woman.
9. Asexual
A person is considered asexual if they don't feel sexually attracted to anyone.
10. Polyamorous
A person is said to be polyamorous if they simultaneously choose to have romantic and sexual relationships with more than one partner. In these situations, both partners are aware of and comfortable talking about their relationships with more than one person, and they often set ground rules for how they will interact. People who are polyamorous can sometimes have relationships with people who are monogamous.
11. Pansexual
A person who feels physical, romantic, and sexual attraction to people of all orientations is said to be pansexual. Pansexual people think they have a sexual attraction that has nothing to do with gender.
12. Skoliosexual
People who identify as skoliosexual are attracted to people who identify as genderqueer, transgender, or non-binary in various ways, including physically, romantically, and sexually.
Suggested Read: Transgender Day Of Remembrance
Final Words
It is not a problem at all if you don't know how you would identify or if you feel overwhelmed by the many ways you can explain your behavior, attraction, and connections. Both of these thoughts and feelings are normal. Because knowledge is power, and our sexual orientation or sexuality is tied to our physical and emotional health.
The more you learn about sexuality and different types of sexuality, the more you may learn about who you are. As you do this, you may learn the words you need to talk about how you feel. We hope the above list of different types of sexuality helped you find yourself.
Also Read: Female Sexuality In Post-Independence Era