Sexual identity explained

What is sexual identity? 

Your sexual identity or sexual orientation or sexuality is about how you see and express yourself sexually - like who you have a crush on, who you want to go out with, and who you want to have sexual experiences with.

If you don’t experience sexual desire or attraction, you may identify as asexual. Sexual identity is fluid and can change throughout your life.

There is a difference between sexual identity and sexual behavior. For example, you may consider yourself straight, but hook up with people of your own gender sometimes.

Types of sexual identity 

Heterosexual 

People who are heterosexual are romantically and physically attracted to someone of the opposite sex: Heterosexual males are attracted to females, and heterosexual females are attracted to males. Heterosexuals are sometimes called "straight."

Homosexual: gay or lesbian 

People who are homosexual are romantically and physically attracted to people of the same sex: 

• Females who are attracted to other females are lesbians.
• Males who are attracted to other males are often known as gay. 

The term gay is sometimes used to describe homosexual individuals of either sex.

Bisexual

People who are bisexual are romantically and physically attracted to members of both sexes.

Asexual

People who are asexual may not be interested in sex, but they still feel emotionally close to other people.