Unit 2: The Sexual Self

Sexuality

Sexual concepts:

Sexual Orientation – whom you are sexually attracted

• A dynamic spectrum and may change through time. Sexuality is fluid!
Gender Identity – how you identify yourself
• Clothing and gestures may not show the gender of a person. Among the lesbians, there are
those who are more masculine in actions and clothing. There are those who are feminine but
are attracted to the same sex. In the same sense, there are gay men who are feminine and there
are those who are masculine.
• Among the gay and lesbian couples, it is NOT necessary that one should take the “wife” role
and the ”husband” role.
Gender Expression – how you move and what you wear
Biological sex – depends on hormones and genitalia

Regardless of the sexual orientation and gender identity, everybody wants to be happy. Happiness in relationship
(e.g., good relations, loving each other), happiness in physical/sedxual relationship (there’s lust, satisfaction,
orgasm), and happiness from being free from diseases (e.g., STDs, STIs), and acceptance and respect from the
society and productive lives (e.g., industry, life’s direction, contribution to the society.).

• There are four areas of sexuality:

1. Physical
2. Emotional
3. Psychological
4. Spiritual

The Body, Sexuality, and the Self

A vital aspect of one’s identity is the sexual, encompassing biological, physical, emotional, and social domains.
While it is initially rooted in distinguishing physical attributes found in men (penis) and women (vagina), bodily
transformations and development of secondary sexual characteristics during adolescence would eventually
trigger physiological responses leading to beliefs and behavior associated with sex. During the adolescence stage,
sexual curiosity is often at its peak, with adolescents engaging in sexual activity as a result of biological and socio-
cultural forces at work. Further, this stage sets the tone for the gender of one’s sexuality, his/her thoughts and
behavior, in order to make responsible choices concerning one’s sexual self.

Sexual Self: The biology of sex

• At birth, sex is a biological feature that distinguishes males from females.

• Aside from the development of primary sexual characteristics, secondary sexual
characteristics also develop during puberty and adolescence.
o Males: outgrowth of facial and bodily hair, emerging Adam’s apple, deepening of the
voice, muscle development.
o Females: onset of menarche (first menstruation), noticeable changes in the hips,
breast, and skin.
o Aside from these observable changes in males and females, release of hormones
(testosterone for males and estrogen for females) trigger physiological changes in the
reproductive system.

At birth, sex is a biological feature that distinguishes males from females. Aside from the external genitals
(penis for male and vagina for females), there are observable changes in the human body that begin during puberty
and adolescence, known as secondary sexual characteristics. For males, this would include outgrowth of facial
and bodily hair, the emerging Adam’s apple, deepening of the voice, and muscle development. Moreover, here in
the Philippines, the practice of circumcision is considered a rite of passage to adulthood among young men. For
females, the onset of menarche (first menstruation), and noticeable changes in the hips, breast, and skin underlie
sexual changes during this developmental stage. Aside from these observable changes in males and females,
release of hormones (testosterone for males and oestrogen for females) trigger physiological changes in the
reproductive system. Thus, this stage, males and females are capable of procreation; males are capable of
producing sperm while females begin producing eggs.
 When physiological changes are triggered within individual’s reproductive system, an adolescent is likely
to experience sexual urges, become more sensitive to sexual stimuli, and feel sexual urges, become more
sensitive to sexual stimuli, and feel sexual arousal. In men, it is natural for them to experience erection during an
arousing moment; for women, vaginal lubrication (wetness) is the likely response. If sexual arousal is satisfied
through sexual intercourse, men would experience ejaculation while women would reach orgasm. The refractory
period, or the period of rest after ejaculation, is likely to be longer in men while women can achieve multiple
orgasms due to a shorter refractory period after intercourse. The bodily sensations are normal and typical in any
sexual activity since hormones produced within the body trigger these physiological responses. These sensations
are part of the sexual response cycle, which includes four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.
Completing the cycle would lead to sexual satisfaction.

When adolescents feel sexual urges, they are likely to engage in sexual activities that would satisfy those
urges. However, the kind of sexual activities they engage in may vary. During adolescence stage, it is common
occurrence to watch and read pornographic materials, engage in kissing and petting, and perform masturbation,
the act of stimulating one’s genitals for sexual pleasure. Medical professionals have cited the health benefits of
masturbation, including stress relief, better sleep, improved self-esteem, and enhanced body image. Further,
masturbation is better alternative to sexual intercourse, which may result to unwanted pregnancy and acquiring
sexually-transmitted diseases. It is important to be aware of one’s sexuality and sexual attributes in order to make
responsible decisions based on fully-informed choices. This is a crucial matter that adolescents may not be ready
for: pregnancy and acquiring sexually transmitted diseases.

Sexual self: Sexual identity and gender orientation

• Biological sex – one’s assignment upon birth and is dependent of physical features the person
has.
• Gender – an identity that is learned and embraced by the individual.
o Goes byond biological domains and is both a personal and social construct.
o As a social construct, gender is known to be the socially created roles, personality
traits, attitudes, behaviors and values attributed for men and women.
▪ Inlcudes the relative power and influence of each, indicating that gender is
relational and refers not simply to women or men, but to the relationship
between them.
▪ Anchored on societal beliefs and norms.
o Gender roles – societal expectations of how men and women should be.
• Sexual identity and gender orientation underlie our concept of self. We express our sexuality
thorugh individuality; our beliefs and behavioral lifestyle are based on our own perception of
sexuality.
o However, while gender orientation and sexual identity are deemed to be social
constructs, it is important to highlight our self-expression and moreover, become
responsible in doing so. Our behavior in various situations would entail consequences;
we need to realize what the effects are of such actions and how we can regulate our
own behavior including our sexual behavior.

At birth, one’s sexuality is dependent on hi physical features and genitals. Most of the time, one’s sexuality
and gender orientation are generally the same. However, biological sex and gender orientation are two different
things; biological sex is one’s assignment upon birth and is dependent of physical features the person has. On the
other hand, gender is an identity that is learned and embraced by the individual. It goes beyond biological domains
and is both a personal and social construct. As a social construct, gender is known to be the socially created
roles, personality traits, attitudes, behaviors, and values attributed for men and women. This also includes the
relative power and influence of each, indicating that gender is relational and refers not simply to women or men
but to the relationship between them. Thus, gender is anchored on societal beliefs and norms.

Gender roles are societal expectations of how men and women should at. Everyone has a basic idea of
how men and women should act and behave; men are assumed to be strong and dominant while women are
perceived to be submissive and demure. However, gender and biological sex are not always the same. A person
may have been born a man but assumes womanly traits while a woman may behave like a man. One’s sexual
orientation manifests itself in their relationships. A guy who is attracted to girls is considered heterosexual while
someone who is attracted to the same sex is called a homosexual. However, discussing this issue may have
sensitive impact to some people who have strict adherence to straight sexual orientations.

Sexual identity and gender orientation underlie our concept of self. We express our sexuality through
individuality; our beliefs and behavioral lifestyle are based on our own perception of sexuality. However, while
gender orientation ad sexual identity are deemed to be social constructs, it is important to highlight our self-
expression and moreover, become responsible in doing so. This will also translate to our beliefs about sex, gender,
and behavior. We should take note that our behavior in various situation would entail consequences; we need to
realize what the effects are of such actions and how we can regulate our own behavior including our sexual
behavior.

Sexual self: The consequences of sexual choice

• Copulation – sexual intercourse; the reproductive act wherein the male organ (penis) enters
the female’s reproductive tract (vagina).
o Teenage couples who engage in sexual intercourse are usually overwhelmed by the
sensations they feel during the act.
▪ Most teenagers who have sex with their partners often rationalize the act by
claiming they “love each other” and are “ready to be committed to each other.”
▪ Fertile woman during the time of intercourse = high chances of pregnancy.
o Physical risks to having an early pregnancy:
▪ Risk of miscarriage
▪ Emotional stress
▪ Health risk for both mother and infant.
o Socioeconomic risks:
▪ Dropping out of school
▪ Alienation from friends and family
o Pregnancy does not only affect females; males are also burdened by the responsibility
of caring for a new child, his partner, and may also face the same problems as his
partner.
• Aside from pregnancy, another consequence of sexual intercourse is acquiring sexually-
transmitted infections and diseases.
o Can be treated and cured, but may also have long-term consequences to one’s health.
o Passed on by means of exchange of body fluids or genital contact.
▪ Syphilis
▪ Gonorrhea
▪ Chlamydia
▪ Genital warts
o Symptoms may include:
▪ Burning sensation during urination
▪ Warts and sores in the genital and mouth area
▪ Abnormal and smelly discharge
▪ Genital irritation
▪ Painful bowel movements
o Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
▪ Can be transmitted by anal, oral, or vaginal sex with and infected person, as
well as through breast milk, during childbirth, and by coming into contact with
the blood of an HIV positive person.

Sexual intercourse, also known as copulation, is the reproductive act wherein the male organ (penis)
enters the female’s reproductive tract (vagina). Teenage couples who engage in sexual intercourse are usually
overwhelmed by the sensations they feel during the act. In addition, most teenagers who have sex with their
partners often rationalize the act by claiming they “love each other” and are “ready to be committed to each
other”. However, if the woman is fertile during the time of intercourse, pregnancy is likely to occur and will last
approximately nine months before the birth of the child. Having a child entails a big responsibility and should not
merely be consequence of an impulsive moment. There are physical risks to having an early pregnancy that may
impact on an adolescent’s development, including risk of miscarriage, emotional stress, and health risk for both
mother and infant. Further, early pregnancy may result to dropping out of school, alienation, and other similar
disruptions. Pregnancy does not only affect females; males are also burdened by the responsibility of caring for a
new child, his partner, and may also face the same problems as his partner.

Aside from pregnancy, another consequence of sexual intercourse in the risk of acquiring sexually-
transmitted diseases. These sexually-transmitted diseases, while most of them can be treated and cured, may
have long-term consequences to one’s health. STD is passed on by means of exchange of body fluids or genital
contact. Among the common diseases are syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and genital warts. Symptoms of these
sexually-transmitted diseases include a burning sensation during urination, warts and sores in the genital and
mouth area, abnormal and smelly discharge, genital irritation, and painful bowel movements. Treatment of these
diseases may entail medication and in some cases, surgery. However, there are cases when these diseases may
affect one’s reproductive functions and worse, may result to death.

The most alarming sexually-transmitted disease is Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It is a virus that
can be transmitted by anal, oral, or vaginal sex with and infected person, as well as through breast milk, during
childbirth, and by coming into contact with the blood of an HIV positive person. Untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS,
which comprises the immune system and puts the person at risk of illness and death. In its early stages, HIV has
no symptoms. Once the illness has progressed, the first symptom may include fever, rashes, and sores. In its final
stage, a person with AIDS may suffer from a variety illnesses, including pneumonia and cancer. At the moment,
there remains no cure for HIV and AIDS.

How does one acquire a sexually-transmitted disease? It is prevalent among individuals who engage in
unprotected sex with multiple partners. Irresponsible sexual behavior often results in dire consequences that have
significant impact on people’s lives and futures. Aside from health risks associated with sexually transmitted
diseases, it may also ruin relationships, create a negative stigma against people with STD, and disrupt school and
employment. Thus, it is important that an adolescent should make responsible decisions with regard to their
sexuality and sexual behavior. Responsible sexual behavior entails the following:

- Respect for one’s body. This would mean taking care of one’s body and avoiding activities that
undermine one’s worth and respect.
- Maturity in thoughts and deeds. This would refer to being objective, rational, and calm, instead of being
swept by one’s emotions.
- Being guided by one’s personal beliefs and core values. An adolescent should always be grounded by
his personal principles and self-worth.
- Being future-oriented. Instead of focusing on the present always weigh your actions now with possible
consequences in the future. Sexual pleasure might be overwhelming at the moment but always focus
on what it will entail in the future.
- Use contraception. Should an adolescent choose to engage in sexual activity, remember to
consistently use proven methods of contraception (e.g., condom, hormonal/non-hormonal
contraception) to protect yourself from STDs, STIs, and unplanned pregnancy. Sexual pleasure should
not be at the expense of your health and future.
- Get tested. Get yourself and your partner tested for STIs and STDs, especially if you have already had
multiple partners. This lets you know of your and your partner’s status and informs further decisions
regarding sexual activity and treatment-seeking, if necessary.

The Obsession to Have a Beautiful Face and Body

• The tragedy of Michael Jackson (endless survey to alter face)

• The demand for cosmetic surgery, skin whiteners, etc.
• Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia.
• Malnutrition among young women due to improper way of dieting

The “Golden Ratio” – The Perfect Face

It’s rather impossible to achieve the Golden Ratio, but people still vie for it. Some are not satisfied with the way
their parents look like, and are attracted to more beautiful people (contrast effect).

“Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder”

True, but if I could afford to have a good looking partner, why not? It is but a big challenge to us educators
and parents to indicate inside than outside. Plump, skinny, just right, sexy or chubby, as long as the fashion
industry dictates what is beautiful – be it for men or women – youth can never be satisfied with their bodies. Every
culture would have standards for beauty. Medieval age at some tribes (e.g. Africa) – chubby, plump. For Hollywood
and local showbiz actors and actresses are skinny, sexy, six-packs abs for men.

Body Art and Status Symbol

Then and Now, practice tattooing, scarification, piercing, and body painting. What is your view about this?

46 Terms That Describe Sexual Attraction, Behavior, and Orientation

Why does it matter?

Sexuality has to do with the way you identify, how you experience sexual and romantic attraction (if you do),
and your interest in and preferences around sexual and romantic relationships and behavior. Who your sexual or
romantic partner is at a given moment in time doesn’t necessarily define this part of who you are. Sexuality can be
fluid — changing in different situations for some, and over the years for others.

Observing patterns in sexual and romantic attraction, behavior, and preferences over time is one way to better
understand your sexual identity or romantic orientation.

Familiarizing yourself with language that describes different types of sexual and romantic feelings and
orientations will help you, your partners, and your friends navigate and understand the many ways people
experience and identify their sexuality.

1. Allosexual

A word and category describing those who experience sexual attraction. Use of this term helps to
normalize the experience of being asexual and provides a more specific label to describe those who aren’t
part of the asexual community. Allosexism refers to norms, stereotypes, and practices in society that
operate under the assumption that all human beings experience, or should experience, sexual attraction.
Allosexism grants privilege to those who experience attraction and leads to prejudice against and erasure
of asexual people.

2. Androsexual
A term used to communicate sexual or romantic attraction to men, males, or masculinity. This
term intentionally includes attraction to those who identify as men, male, or masculine, regardless of
biology, anatomy, or sex assigned at birth.
3. Asexual
Asexual identity or orientation includes individuals who don’t experience sexual attraction to
others of any gender. Also referred to as “aces,” some people who are asexual do experience romantic
attraction to people of one or multiple genders.
4. Aromantic
A romantic orientation that describes people who experience little or no romantic attraction,
regardless of sex or gender.
5. Autosexual
A person who’s sexually attracted to themselves. Someone’s desire to engage in sexual behavior
such as masturbation doesn’t determine whether they’re autosexual.
6. Autoromatic
A romantic orientation that describes a person who’s romantically attracted to themselves. Those
who identify as autoromatic often report experiencing the relationship they have with themselves as
romantic.
7. Bicurious

This refers to people who are questioning or exploring bisexuality, which typically includes curiosity
about one’s romantic or sexual attraction to people of the same or different genders.

8. Bisexual

A sexual orientation that describes those who experience sexual, romantic, or emotional
attractions to people of more than one gender. Also referred to as “bi,” bisexual typically includes
individuals who are attracted to a variety of people, with genders that are similar to and different than their
own.

9. Biromantic Those who experience romantic attraction, but not sexual attraction, to individuals of more
than one gender.
10. Closeted Closeted, also referred to as “in the closet,” describes people in the LGBTQIA+ community who
don’t publicly or openly share their sexual identity, sexual attraction, sexual behavior, gender expression,
or gender identity. Closeted is often understood as the opposite of “out,” and refers to the metaphorical
hidden or private place a LBGTQIA+ person comes from in the process of making decisions about
disclosing gender and sexuality. Some individuals may be out in certain communities but closeted in
others, due to fear of discrimination, mistreatment, rejection, or violence.
11. Coming out A phrase that refers to the process of being open about one’s sexuality and gender. For many
LGBTQIA+ people, “coming out” isn’t a one-time event, but a process and series of moments and
conversations. Also described as coming out of the closet, this process can include: sharing about a
same-gender or similar gender sexual or romantic attraction or experience; identifying as LGBTQIA +
disclosing one’s specific gender identity, gender expression, or sexual or romantic orientation. Some
LGBTQIA+ people decide to keep their sexuality, gender, or intersex status private, while others decide to
 share these things with loved ones, acquaintances, or the public. The process of coming out or the state of
being out is a source of self-acceptance and pride for many (but not all) LGBTQIA+ individuals. However,
it’s important to remember that each person’s coming out experience is different, and the act of coming
out can be hard and emotional.The decision to come out is deeply personal. Each person should make
decisions about disclosing sexuality and gender in their own time and manner.
12. Cupiosexual Cupiosexual describes asexual people who don’t experience sexual attraction but still have
the desire to engage in sexual behavior or a sexual relationship.
13. Demisexual On the asexual spectrum, this sexual orientation describes individuals who experience sexual
attraction only under specific circumstances, such as after building a romantic or emotional relationship
with a person.
14. Demiromantic This romantic orientation describes individuals who experience romantic attraction only
under specific circumstances, such as after building an emotional relationship with a person.
15. Fluid This terms refers to the fact that sexuality, sexual attraction, and sexual behavior can change over
time and be dependent on the situation. It’s used to describe those who experience shifts in their sexuality,
sexual attraction, or sexual behavior in different situations or throughout the course of their lifetime. You
may hear someone describe their sexuality as “fluid.”
16. Gay A term that describes individuals who experience sexual, romantic, or emotional attraction to people
of the same or a similar gender. Some gay-identified women prefer the term lesbian, while others prefer
queer or gay. It’s also best to ask which word or term someone uses to describe themselves. The fields of
medicine and psychology previously referred to this sexual orientation as homosexual. Homosexual is now
viewed as an outdated and offensive term and shouldn’t be used to refer to LGBTQIA+ individuals.
17. Graysexual Graysexual is a term used to acknowledge the gray area on the sexuality spectrum for people
who don’t explicitly and exclusively identify as asexual or aromantic. Many people who identify as
graysexual do experience some sexual attraction or desire, but perhaps not at the same level or frequency
as those who identify their sexuality as being completely outside of the asexual spectrum.
18. Grayromantic A romantic orientation that describes individuals whose romantic attraction exists in the
gray area between romantic and aromantic. Many people who identify as grayromantic do experience
some romantic attraction, but perhaps not at the same level or frequency as those who identify their
sexuality or romantic orientation as something other than asexual.
19. Gynesexual A term used to communicate sexual or romantic attraction to women, females, or femininity.
This term intentionally includes attraction to those who identify as women, female, or feminine, regardless
of biology, anatomy, or the sex assigned at birth.
20. Heterosexual A term that describes people who experience sexual, romantic, or emotional attraction to
people of the “opposite” gender (e.g. male vs. female, man vs. woman) or a different gender. Both
cisgender and transgender identified people can be heterosexual. This sexual orientation category is
commonly described as straight.
21. Homosexual An outdated term rooted in the fields of medicine and psychology that refers to individuals
who experience sexual, romantic, or emotional attraction to people of the same or a similar gender.
22. Lesbian A woman or female-identified person who experiences sexual, romantic, or emotional attraction
to people of the same or a similar gender. Some women who are lesbians may also refer to themselves as
gay or queer, while others prefer the label lesbian.
23. LGBTQIA+ The acronym that often describes individuals who don’t identify as exclusively heterosexual or
exclusively cisgender. The letters in the LGBTQIA+ acronym stand for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,
queer or questioning, intersex, and asexual. The + symbol in LGBTQIA+ refers to the fact that there are
many sexual orientations and gender identities that are part of the broader LGBTQIA community, but aren’t
included as part of the acronym.
24. Libidoist asexual A term used to describe an asexual person who experiences sexual feelings that are
satisfied through self-stimulation or masturbation. This label acknowledges that, for some people, acting
on libido or sexual feelings doesn’t necessarily involve sexual behavior with others.
25. Monosexual A broad sexual orientation category that includes people who experience romantic or sexual
attraction to people of one sex or gender. Monosexuality typically includes those who are exclusively
heterosexual, gay, or lesbian.
26. Non-libidoist asexual Referring to an identity on the asexuality spectrum, a non-libidoist asexual is
someone who doesn’t experience any sexual feelings or have an active sex drive.
27. Omnisexual Omnisexual is similar to pansexual and can be used to describe individuals whose sexuality
isn’t limited to people of a particular gender, sex, or sexual orientation.
28. Pansexual A term that describes individuals who can experience sexual, romantic, or emotional attraction
to any person, regardless of that person’s gender, sex, or sexuality.
29. Panromantic A term that describes individuals who can experience romantic, or emotional (but not
sexual) attraction to any person, regardless of that person’s gender, sex, or sexuality.
 30. Polysexual A term that describes individuals with a sexual orientation that involves sexual or romantic
attraction to people with varying genders. Polysexual orientations include bisexuality, pansexuality,
omnisexuality, and queer, among many others.
31. Pomosexual A term (not necessarily an identity) used to refer to those who reject sexuality labels or don’t
identify with any of them.
32. Passing Passing refers to society’s perceptions and assumptions of someone’s sexuality or gender.
Specifically, this term is most commonly used to discuss the frequency and extent to which an LGBTQIA+
person is perceived as or assumed to be straight or cisgender. It’s important to note that some LGBTQIA+
people have the desire to pass while others do not. In fact, the act of being perceived as straight or
cisgender can be a source of discomfort and discrimination for some in the LGBTQIA+ community.
33. Queer An umbrella term that describes individuals who aren’t exclusively heterosexual. The term queer
(the Q in LBGTQIA+), acknowledges that sexuality is a spectrum as opposed to a collection of independent
and mutually exclusive categories. Use of the word queer opens up options beyond lesbian, gay, and
bisexual to individuals who don’t fit neatly into these categories or prefer a category that isn’t dependent
on sex and gender. While this term once had negative and derogatory connotations, queer has resurfaced
as a common and socially acceptable way for LGBTQIA+ individuals to refer to themselves and their
community. Despite its growing use, some people still have negative associations with the word queer and
don’t like to be referred to in this way. Queer, like all terms describing sexuality, should be used sensitively
and respectfully.
34. Questioning The process of being curious about or exploring some aspect of sexuality or gender.
Questioning can also be used as an adjective to describe someone who’s currently exploring their
sexuality or gender.
35. Romantic attraction The experience of having an emotional response that results in the desire for a
romantic, but not necessarily sexual, relationship or interaction with another person or oneself. Some
people experience romantic attraction but don’t experience sexual attraction.
36. Romantic orientation Romantic orientation is an aspect of self and identity that involves: how you identify,
the way you experience romantic desire (if you do), the gender(s) or sex(es) of the people who someone
engages in romantic relationships with (if any), the gender(s) or sex(es) of the people someone is
romantically attracted to (if any).
37. Sapiosexual A word used to describe those who experience attraction based on intelligence, rather than
sex or gender.
38. Sexual attraction Sexual attraction refers to experiencing sexual desire or arousal in relation to another
person or group of people.
39. Sex-averse Sex-averse describes those who are asexual and are averse to or extremely disinterested in
sex or sexual behavior.
40. Sex-favorable On the spectrum of asexuality, sex-favorable is viewed as the “opposite” of sex-repulsed
and describes those who are asexual, and in certain situations can have favorable or positive feelings
toward sex.
41. Sex-indifferent Sex-indifferent describes those who are asexual and feel indifferent or neutral about sex or
sexual behavior.
42. Sexual orientation or sexuality Sexual orientation or sexuality is an aspect of self that involves: how you
identifythe way you experience sexual or romantic desire (if you do), the gender(s) or sex(es) of the people
who someone engages in sexual or romantic activity with (if any), the gender(s) or sex(es) of the people
someone is attracted to (if any). Sexuality can change over the course of someone’s life and in different
situations. It’s understood to be a spectrum instead of a series of mutually exclusive categories.
43. Sex-repulsed Similar to sex-averse, sex-repulsed is on the spectrum of asexuality and describes those
who are asexual and are repulsed by or extremely disinterested in sex or sexual behavior.
44. Skoliosexual A sexual orientation that describes those who are sexually attracted to people with non-
cisgender gender identities, such as people who are nonbinary, genderqueer, or trans.
45. Spectrasexual A term that describes people who are sexually or romantically attracted to multiple or
varied sexes, genders, and gender identities — but not necessarily all or any.
46. Straight Also known as heterosexual, straight describes people who experience sexual, romantic, or
emotional attraction to individuals of the “opposite” gender (e.g. male vs. female, man vs. woman) or a
different gender.

People who identify as cisgender and transgender can be straight. It’s okay to feel unsure or overwhelmed
by all of the labels we now have to describe sexual and romantic orientation, attraction, and behavior.
Expanding the language you use to describe your sexuality can provide important guidance, validation, and
access to community while on your journey of sexual self-discovery and satisfaction.

Reference: Balah, K.O., Garcia, K.J., Llorente, J. (2020). Learning Module in Understanding the Self