Sexual Orientation

Sexual orientation, formerly called sexual preference, is considered a more biological aspect of sexuality and is solely about attraction — not how someone self-labels. Beyond the ability to reproduce, sexuality defines how we see ourselves and how we physically relate to others: a pattern of emotional, romantic, and sexual attraction to those of the opposite or same sex or gender, to both sexes or more than one gender, or to no one. Whether straight, gay/lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, or asexual, sexual orientation involves a person’s feelings and sense of identity not necessarily noticeable to others. People may/may not act on what they feel. Researchers agree sexual orientation stems from environmental, emotional, hormonal, and biological factors — it isn’t a choice and can’t be changed. Some LGBTQ+ people hide their sexual orientation to avoid prejudice from others or shame they learned to feel about their sexuality.