Relationships June 22, 2018
Love in the way that's right for you and nobody else.
Sexualities are often viewed as a broad topic. Sometimes it’s easy to identify your sexuality, especially if you’re solely gay or straight. However, there are multiple terms that a person can use to identify their sexuality, which makes the subject more complex.
Options for Sexual Health defines sexuality as “how important sexual expression is in a person’s life, how one chooses to express that sexuality, and any preference one may have towards the type of sexual partner they choose.” It can also be “influenced by an individual’s values, culture, experience, and spirituality.” So there are a lot of interpretations.
One person may not identify themselves in the same way that somebody else might. Another person might not even have a specific label.
With that being said, how you would define your sexuality?
Don’t worry! According to Teen Health Source, there are many different ways to define your orientation. It’s also okay if you don’t want to put a label on your sexuality. For those who want to find a label, here are some options.
A person who is heterosexual, or straight, is interested in individuals of the opposite gender.
A person who is interested in individuals of the same gender.
Used to refer to a man who is interested in other men, but is also used to describe any person who is interested in the same gender.
A woman who is interested in other women.
A person who is interested in individuals from more than one gender.
A person who doesn’t experience sexual attraction, but still might have intellectual or emotional relationships.
An individual who, once they have formed an emotional bond with someone, feels sexual attraction. Certified sex therapist Holly Richmond, PhD., shared with Women’s Health that a person who identifies as demisexual feels attractions sometimes, but not enough to attune to the norms set by culture or society.
A pansexual individual, also referred to as omnisexual, is interested in individuals of any gender.
Used to describe sexual identities that are not heterosexual or that might not fit into specific categories.
A person who is exploring and not yet sure what to label their sexuality.
These terms are only some of the ways an individual may define their sexuality. There may be other terms individuals use.
Whether you identify with one of the labels listed above is totally up to you. If you feel that your sexuality is free, then don’t feel pressured to slap a label on it. You are the only person who can define your sexuality. Do what’s best for you and your preferences.
Remember, love is love. No matter who you love, love in the way that’s right for you and nobody else.
