Sexuality

Sexuality refers to the gender you’re a typically attracted to. For example, if you’re female and you’re exclusively attracted to the opposite sex (male), that female may identify as heterosexual. However, if that female was exclusively attracted to the same sex (female), that female may identify as homosexual. 

It is very important to establish that although your sexual preference may fall into one of these umbrella terms, you do not have to use it if you don’t feel comfortable doing so. Not everything requires a label or a set term. Some enjoy using these labels, some do not and some just use them to help people understand their attraction to others. This is down to personal preference and comfort. 

You may find many stereotypes across the internet.  This is when someone assumes that due to some oversimplification of a sexuality, a person who identifies that way must hold very particular traits or looks. This is however not the case. Everyone is free to express themselves however they wish; hobbies, fashion, makeup, career. Just because you identify as an LGBTQ+ individual, does not mean you have to fall into a stereotype. No one is required to act, to dress, to talk in any particular way. Stereotypes will always exist but this does not have any bearing on how you should express yourself. 

There are many different sexualities, many of these and their definitions can be found in our A-Z List.