Beyond the Bedroom A Look at Sexual Culture
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Exploring Different Types of Sexual Identity
There are many different types of sexual identities beyond the binary of male and female. The current world has allowed for a much more fluid understanding of gender identity, and more people are open to exploring a variety of different types of self-expression. Here are some common types of sexual identity:
Asexual
Asexuality is defined as someone who does not feel sexual attraction towards any gender. This does not mean that they have no interest in romantic relationships, however, and many asexual people do form meaningful connections with others.
Bisexual
Bisexuality is when someone is romantically and sexually attracted to more than one gender. This includes heterosexual, homosexual and any non-binary gender. Bisexuality is often seen as something of a “middle ground” between to two, but it has just as much validity as any other identity.
Pansexual
Pansexuality is when someone is attracted to all genders, including both binary and non-binary. This includes those who identify as transgender, gender-fluid, or outside of the gender binary. This sexual identity is often misunderstood to mean “loving everything”, but in reality it simply means that gender is not a factor in who a person is attracted to.
Demisexual
Demisexuality is when someone does not experience sexual attraction until a strong emotional connection has been formed. This can be a difficult identity to express to those who don’t understand it, since it is not a common feeling. It is important to remember that demisexuality is just as valid as any other sexual identity.
Polysexual
Polysexuality is when someone is attracted to multiple genders, but not all genders. A polysexual person may be attracted to the binary genders, or to non-binary genders, or both. This is often confused with bisexuality, but they are different in that polysexuality is more limited in the genders that one is attracted to.
LGBTQ+
This is an overarching term that is used to describe people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or any other non-binary gender identity. Though this is not technically a sexual identity, it is still important to note that the LGBTQ+ community is incredibly diverse and includes people of all sexualities.
Exploring different types of sexual identities can be a daunting task, but it is an incredibly important process. Opening up to different kinds of self-expression and understanding can allow people to form much more meaningful connections with those around them. There is strength to be found in embracing our differences, and it is something that everyone should strive to do in order to create a more accepting and understanding world.
