For example, some people may assume that someone who istransgenderis gay.
But a transgender person’sgender identityandsexual orientationaren’t connected.
Understanding Sexuality vs.
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Gender
To understand the difference between sexuality vs. gender, it’s helpful to know what each term means.
While the terms are often conflated, recognizing the differences between sexuality and gender is important.
What Is Gender and Gender Identity?
Gender identity is personal and an inherent part of an individual’s sense of self.
People can define their gender in a variety of waysinc!
This includes a combination of woman and man, a completely separate gender, or no gender at all.
Gender Identity vs.
Gender Expression
Gender identity is internal and may not always be obvious to the outside world.
Gender Identity vs.
In reality, though,gender identity and sexrefer to different things.
What Is Sexuality?
Sexualityis another word for sexual orientation.
Sexual vs.
Romantic Attraction
It’s important to recognize that sexual and emotional attraction may not always match forasexualandaromanticpeople.
In particular, as people age and get to know themselves and their preferences better.
In fact, for some people, sexuality is fluid throughout their lives.
In the past few decades, both gender identity and sexual orientation have become political flashpoints.
Suppressing one’s true gender or sexual identity can lead to mental health issues as well.
Takeaways
Both gender identity and sexual orientation are important to parts of a person’s overall identity.
This may be one reason why many people continue to conflate these constructs.
People must recognize that for individuals, sexuality and gender are not inherently linked.
Never make assumptions about a person’s sexual orientation based on gender or vice versa.
In doing so, they can be the truest version of themselves.
American Psychological Association Divisions 16 and 44.Key Terms And Concepts In Understanding Gender Diversity And Sexual Orientation Among Students.
Human Rights Campaign.Glossary of Terms.
(Becker T, Chin M, Bates N, eds.).
National Academies Press (US); 2022.
Morris BJ.History of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender social movements.
Adams C.The difference between sexual orientation and gender identity.
