Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity & You: Understanding Who We Are

It’s Not “New,” It’s Just Human

People have always loved, lived, and identified in diverse ways. LGBTQIA+ identities are not a “trend” or a “modern idea”, they’re as old as humanity itself. The difference now is that more people feel safe enough to talk about it.

Understanding sexual orientation and gender identity isn’t about politics, it’s about people. It’s about learning how humans experience love, attraction, and selfhood in many ways, and how we can create a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Sexual Orientation: Who You’re Attracted To

Sexual orientation is about who you’re romantically, emotionally, or physically attracted to. There are many ways to describe this, and none of them are wrong.

Here are some of the most common terms:

• Heterosexual (Straight): Attracted to a different gender.

• Homosexual (Gay or Lesbian): Attracted to the same gender.

• Bisexual: Attracted to more than one gender.

• Pansexual: Attracted to people regardless of gender.

• Asexual: Experiences little or no sexual attraction (may still experience romantic attraction).

• Queer: A broad term that some people use to describe non-heterosexual orientations.

Important: Attraction is about who you’re drawn to, not just who you date or have sex with. And it’s okay if your orientation shifts or evolves, human sexuality is fluid for many people.

Gender Identity: Who You Are

While sexual orientation is about who you’re attracted to, gender identity is about who you are.

Here’s how it differs from other terms people often confuse:

• Biological sex: Physical traits you’re born with (like chromosomes, genitals, hormones).

• Gender identity: Your internal sense of being male, female, both, neither, or something else.

• Gender expression: How you show your gender to the world through clothing, voice, behavior, and more.

Some common gender identities include:

• Cisgender: Gender identity matches the sex assigned at birth.

• Transgender: Gender identity is different from the sex assigned at birth.

• Nonbinary: Doesn’t fit strictly into “male” or “female.”

• Genderfluid: Gender identity shifts over time.

• Agender: Does not identify with any gender.

You can’t “tell” someone’s gender by how they look. The only way to know is to ask and listen.

Pronouns: Small Words, Big Respect

Pronouns (like he/him, she/her, or they/them) are more than just grammar, they’re a way of showing respect for someone’s identity. Using the right pronouns is one of the simplest ways to support someone’s dignity and humanity.

Quick Tips:

• If you’re unsure, politely ask: “What pronouns do you use?”

• If you mess up, correct yourself and move on, don’t make a big deal of it.

• You can also share your pronouns first (“Hi, I’m Alex, I use she/her”) to create a safer space.

Myths vs. Facts

Myth: “Being LGBTQIA+ is a choice.”
Fact: It’s not. Sexual orientation and gender identity are natural, deeply rooted parts of who we are.

Myth: “Kids are too young to know.”
Fact: Many people know their identity early in life, often before puberty. Others figure it out later. Both are normal.

Myth: “It’s just a phase.”
Fact: Exploration is normal, but people’s identities are valid at every stage.

Myth: “Talking about LGBTQ+ topics influences kids.”
Fact: Education doesn’t “turn” someone LGBTQ+. It creates safer, more informed communities where people can be themselves.

Healthy Relationships & Consent (For Everyone)

No matter your gender or orientation, consent and communication are the foundation of healthy intimacy.

• Everyone deserves relationships built on mutual respect and enthusiasm.

• All partners have the right to say yes, no, or change their mind at any time.

• Talking openly about boundaries, comfort levels, and desires before anything happens builds trust.

And here’s the most important part: pleasure matters in LGBTQIA+ relationships too. Understanding your body, communicating openly, and prioritizing what feels good (physically and emotionally) are all part of sexual health, no matter who you are or who you love.

Inclusive Sexual Health Basics

Many LGBTQIA+ people grow up without inclusive information about sexual health. Here’s what to know:

• STI risk exists in all types of sexual activity. Barrier methods (like condoms, internal condoms, or dental dams) help reduce risk.

• Regular testing matters for everyone. Many STIs don’t show symptoms, and early detection means easier treatment.

• Talk to a provider you trust. If your provider isn’t inclusive or respectful, you have the right to switch to one who is.

Trusted Resources & Hotlines

No matter where you live, there are organizations that offer support, education, and community:

• The Trevor Project – 24/7 crisis support and resources for LGBTQIA+ youth

• GLSEN – Safe school advocacy and inclusive education resources

• PFLAG – Support for LGBTQIA+ people, parents, and allies

• Scarleteen – Inclusive sexual health education and Q&A for teens

• Love Is Respect – Healthy relationship education and support

Take the Next Step

• Request a Sexual Health Kit – Includes safer sex supplies, consent guides, and more.

• Request a Body Literacy Kit – Anatomy guides, pronoun tools, and educational materials.

• Explore more resources – Learn about advocacy, reproductive health, and inclusive care.