As we all are well aware, sexuality is a broad spectrum. The sad part of the story is that half of the people have zero ideas about this concept. That is why there is a lot of confusion regarding this circulating worldwide. Thus, all we need is to be very clear about what sexuality means and what types of sexual orientation exist.
There are several ways in which a particular person can get or feel sexually attracted to others. He or she can feel attracted towards the same gender, another of different gender, to both, or even to neither. On average twenty four different types of sexual orientations have been identified by far. These labels are important from the perspective that they help many people channelize in how they feel regarding themselves.
If you are confused about how you identify or are just simply eager to know about common sexual orientations, you have landed at the best place possible. This blog is all about the various types of sexual orientations. We have listed the main sexual orientations, and now it is up to you to decide which one are you.
What is sexual orientation?
Sexual orientation can be described as the emotional, romantic, and sexual attraction that a person feels toward the other. Sexual orientation basically helps a person identify who they are attracted to.
7 types of sexual orientations
Below are listed the seven different types of sexual orientations:
1. Demisexual
The term "demi" translates to half. Thus, demisexual implies someone being halfway between sexual and asexual. These are the people who crave strong emotional bonding before they are sexually involved with any person. These people cannot be driven by just one initial attraction.
2. Bisexual
Bisexuality refers to the attraction to both genders. Studies have proven that a larger percentage of women are either bisexual or homosexual.
3. Pansexual
Pansexual is one of the most fluid sexual orientations of all. Pansexuality implies feeling sexually attracted to people from all genders, and even to transgenders, transsexuals, androgynous, and even gender-fluid people.
4. Monosexual
The term "mono" means one, so monosexuality means being attracted to one gender. Now, monosexuals are mainly of two different types namely heterosexual and homosexual. Heterosexuality refers to attraction toward the opposite gender, while homosexuality refers to attraction toward the same gender.
5. Asexual
These are the people who are not interested and even sexually attracted to any sort of sexual activity. You must not confuse asexuals with celibates because the latter are those people who refrain from sexual activities by their own choice. Asexuals can be in relationships, but they are not intrigued by any sexual desires.
6. Autosexual
This implies sexual gratification through your own stimuli. These people are usually attracted to their own selves. They get aroused by seeing themselves in the mirror and fantasize often about their own looks and naked bodies.
7. Gray-A
Gray-A or simply Gray-Asexuality refers to the gray area that lies between asexuality and sexuality. These are those people who fall into the spectrum that exists between these two major halves. These people feel sexually aroused by very few circumstances. The sexual desire in these people is mostly extremely low or simply ignorable.
8. Allosexual
The term allosexual basically refers to those who feel sexually attracted to others. These individuals can be anything including queer, bisexual, asexual, pansexual, heterosexual, demisexual, gay, lesbian, etc. Allosexual people are simply the opposite of asexual people.
9. Androsexual
These people are those who are attracted to masculinity regardless of the person’s gender or sex. It can mean being attracted to masculine expression, characteristics, or even the way they present themselves.
10. Bicurious
A person who identifies as bicurious has been heterosexual historically. But he/she is considering or is curious about engaging in sexual activities with a partner who has a different gender than the person with whom they have been in a relationship before. The main reason to include the word ‘curious’ instead of ‘confused’ is to reduce the stigma that follows the discussion regarding non-heterosexual activities.
11. Allotroposexual
This is comparatively a new term that is basically used in replacement of “skoliosexual”. This term is used to refer to individuals whose primary attraction is towards transgenders or non-binary individuals. The term is not used to signify the fetish, sexualization, or objectification of trans people by cisgender individuals.
12. Fluid
The basic idea about fluid individuals is that their sexuality keeps changing and is not fixed. Some people feel like their sexuality is ever-changing. These individuals can also utilize other sexual orientation terms to describe their orientations or even feel that they don’t resonate with any one of them.
13. Ceterosexual
This is another term that is used for describing an individual who is attracted to transgenders or non-binary individuals. It is, however, not used to signify the fetish, sexualization, or objectification of trans people that is done by cisgender individuals.
14. Gynosexual
Gynosexuals are attracted to feminity regardless of the person’s sex or gender. They can be attracted to feminine characteristics, presentations, or expressions.
15. Multisexual
As the term suggests, these people are attracted to multiple sexes or genders. It can be inclusive of trans folks too.
16. Gay
A gay man’s primary sexual attraction is to other men. That also includes transgender men who are attracted to other men.
17. Omnisexual
These individuals can be attracted to “all” individuals regardless of their sex or gender.
18. Lesbian
A lesbian woman’s primary sexual attraction is toward other women. That can include transgender women who are attracted to other women be they cisgender, non-binary, or transgender.
19. Polysexual
The term ‘poly’ literally translates to ‘many’. Thus, individuals who identify as polysexual are attracted to many genders or sexes. It is not necessary for these people to engage in polyamorous relationships.
20. Queer
This is an umbrella term that is used for individuals who are not heterosexual or cisgender. The term queer was previously used as a slur to refer to the LGBTQ+ community, but recently it has been liberated and taken back by them.
21. Skoliosexual
These individuals are especially attracted to people who identify as transgender or non-binary. Since this term has turned out to be a bit controversial in nature, it is generally not in wide usage anymore. Instead, terms such as ceterosexual and allotroposexual are preferred.
22. Sprectrasexual
These individuals are attracted to multiple sexes and genders, but it is not necessary that they are attracted to all or any. It offers the maximum fluidity just as desired by the individuals.
23. Sapiosexual
These people only feel sexually attracted to intelligent people. Both heterosexuals and people from the LGBTQ+ community can be sapiosexuals. These people can also find physical qualities attractive, but that is not given the most importance.
24. Libidoist asexual
These individuals are asexual, but they experience sexual feelings and satisfy them through self-stimulation or masturbation.
Do people get to choose their sexual orientation?
A short answer to that is definitely no. You are who you are, and you have been that since birth. It can take time for one to identify oneself, but that does not mean that one fine morning you wake up and take up a quiz and claim your sexual orientation.
There is no simple answer to why some people are straight while others are gay. Medical experts have quoted that sexual orientation appears to be a complex mixture of psychology, biology, and of course, environmental factors. Even genes and hormones also have a hand in influencing your sexual orientation. In general, sexual orientation can never be voluntarily chosen. It is a natural part of what and who a person is actually.
How can one identify their sexual orientation?
Not everyone knows how they identify or how to label themselves. So, if you are struggling with the same, trust me you are not alone. For some people understanding their sexual orientation can be a very long process. If you feel differently than you used to, that is completely fine too. That is, if your instincts are different from how they used to be, it is completely okay to change your label.
Even in today's era, there is a huge percentage of people who follow sexual orientation discrimination. That is why a lot of people struggle with coming out because they are afraid of coming out. These issues are very real, but it is also true that times are changing. A lot of people have addressed these issues, and it is being worked on worldwide.
Thus, if you are afraid of coming out, you can always reach out to someone who understands. Coming out in itself is not easy, and it is not a spontaneous reaction. It is a process that plays a huge role in identifying oneself.
Conclusion
It can take time for many people who understand who they really are. Sometimes these feelings and thoughts can be intense, and in turn, that can confuse you. Having a clear concept about sexual orientation is undoubtedly crucial because that helps develop a self-image and truly represent who you are as a person.
TL;DR: Key takeaways from the article
In an era where sexual orientation is slowly gaining importance, it is okay to question yourself. And if you feel that you are yet to discover who you are, this article is made just for you. One thing that you should always remember is that it is never too late to question yourself. This article has successfully listed the seven different types of sexual orientations for you to decide which one you identify with. Always keep in mind that you are not meant to be just another being in society, you are meant to be you, the one who is comfortable in his/her own skin!
