A person’s sexual orientation is determined by their sexual, romantic, and emotional attraction to an individual of a certain gender. Ultimately, it shapes someone’s identity and their relations to another person. In fact, sexuality encompasses more than just reproduction, but how people perceive themselves by influencing their interactions and connections to others physically and emotionally.
Causes and Types of Sexual Orientation
Typically, one’s sexual orientation can be divided into various categories. A person who’s heterosexual is attracted to the opposite sex, while a homosexual individual likes people of the same gender. For someone attracted to both genders, they may be bisexual. Asexual people aren’t sexually attracted to anyone and pansexual individuals share an attraction with anyone regardless of gender identity. Overall, a person’s sexual identity and feelings mostly align with their sense of identity rather than any external appearance.
Despite any attraction they feel, a person of either sexual orientation may refuse to act on their feelings. Many scientists suggest that various emotional, biological, hormonal, and environmental factors can influence one’s sexual orientation. Although these factors play a part in a person realizing their sexual orientation, they may affect people differently. What’s more? Childhood experiences or parenting styles cause neither homosexuality nor bisexuality. This means that people who are part of these sexual orientations are perfectly healthy and normal. However, societal misconceptions and prejudices tend to cause unnecessary challenges that are harmful and detrimental.
The Term “Queer”
Someone called “queer” means that their sexual orientation falls outside of identifying with cisgender or transgender or straight or gay. Originally, the word “queer” was a derogatory term used to harm people. Particularly, some people feel the word has offensive connotations that may target people who’ve had negative experiences with the term. In contrast, others have taken pride and embraced “queer” as their sexual identity. However, don’t call someone queer unless they identify or want to be called that.
While sexual orientation is about a person’s romantic and emotional attraction to someone else, gender identity centers on their sense of self. For instance, a transgender individual can’t identify as gay, bi-sexual, asexual, or any other orientation Overall, both aspects of an individual’s self-identity are important because they play a distinct part in shaping it.
Discovering Sexual Orientation in Youth
The discovery of one’s sexual orientation is likely to happen when they’re a teenager or young adult. Moreover, it’s possible a person may figure out what gender they’re attracted to without any sexual experience at all. These individuals may notice their attraction when they mostly think about or have feelings for other people of a certain or both genders.
Yet, having some curiosity about a particular gender, especially of the same sex, doesn’t necessarily mean one is homosexual. In fact, an attraction or having thoughts about someone of a particular or both genders doesn’t influence one’s decision to pursue them. Ultimately, a person’s sexual orientation is personal and can evolve, with some choosing not to explore their feelings, and others deciding to do so.
Understandably, some people may not resonate with these labels as they don’t describe them accurately. On the other hand, others may refuse to label themselves altogether. A person may like parts of a label and hate the others. Ultimately, it’s up to the person to choose the label they want for themselves. Just remember no one should feel pressured in any way to have a particular sexual identity as they must know it’s their choice
Final Thoughts
It’s agreed among experts that a person’s sexual orientation can’t change or be changed as it isn’t a choice. For many people, hiding their orientation protects them from prejudices and hate. In the same way, they may hide themselves due to their own guilt and shame, which are instilled by familial or societal attitudes. Any attempt to change one’s sexual orientation may be ineffective and harmful.
Sadly, dangerous practices such as conversion therapy still exist with the sole purpose of changing someone’s sexual orientation. In particular, experts discourage the use of conversion therapy for the harm it causes. According to the American Medical Association, conversion therapy should end for these reasons as well. Alternatively, experts believe that people should be given genuine support and acceptance as they are.
Disclaimer: This article is intended simply to provide information. It does not replace the medical advice of a physician or other medical professional. Please speak with your doctor or therapist if you have any questions or concerns.
