Most people identify as heterosexual, meaning they are attracted to people of the opposite sex. But there are many other types of sexuality, each with its own definition. Understanding these terms can help you figure out how you best identify and assess how you feel about yourself and your relationships.
Here, we’ll discuss various types of sexuality along with their definitions.
Asexuality
Asexuality is a sexual orientation in which someone does not experience sexual attraction. It is not the same as celibacy, which implies actively avoiding sexual activities. Asexual individuals may still experience arousal and engage in sexual activities with a partner for pleasure or for various other reasons but do not experience sexual attraction.
Bisexuality
Bisexuality is a sexual orientation in which someone is attracted to both people of the same and different gender. People who are bisexual are capable of forming romantic, emotional, physical, and even spiritual connections with people regardless of gender.
Demisexuality
Demisexuality is a type of sexuality in which people do not feel sexual attraction until they form a strong emotional connection with someone. Unlike most sexual orientations, demisexuality is not based on gender but rather on the connection between individuals.
Homosexuality
Homosexuality is the attraction to people of the same sex. It is often used basically as a catch-all term for people who may not identify as bisexual. Some people prefer to claim a more specific orientation such as gay or lesbian, depending on their gender identity or level of comfort with certain terms.
Pansexuality
Pansexuality is a type of sexuality in which a person experiences sexual attraction toward all genders, regardless of sex or gender identity. Those who are pansexual are open to all gender identities and are not limited to only romantic and/or sexual attraction with people who identify as male or female.
Polysexuality
Polysexuality is a type of sexuality in which one has the capacity to be attracted to multiple genders. That is, they are attracted to more than one gender identity, although not necessarily all gender identities.
Queer
The term queer is an umbrella term used to refer to people who have any kind of non-heterosexual sexual orientation or gender identity. These could include people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, and so on.
Questioning
Questioning is a type of sexuality in which an individual is still in the process of figuring out their sexual orientation or gender identity. They may be attracted to multiple genders or not yet sure which gender they’re attracted to.
The types of sexuality discussed above are just the tip of the iceberg. There are many more variations and definitions that can help you figure out how you best identify and assess how you feel about yourself and your relationships. Whether you identify as one of the types of sexuality above or something else, know that you’re not alone, and that it’s okay to take the time to explore and find out who you truly are.
