Sexual orientation, romantic preferences and gender are all on a spectrum. Any person that you meet can choose to identify in any number of ways, they can also choose to not label themselves and that is their choice, which should be respected. People sometimes prefer things to be black and white, with clear cut boxes to put people in and that’s not the case. In fact, research has shown it’s unhealthy to try and do so. It can be easy to dismiss how someone chooses to identify because of a lack of understanding, or to make snap judgements based on harmful stereotypes. To avoid this and to be a better ally, the key is to continue learning. So, here are 10 sexualities you may have heard, explained…

• LGBTQ

This acronym stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer. Sometimes, the acronym includes the Q, other times it includes a + at the end or IA. These stand for the Intersex and Asexual communities. To break down these sexualities’ meaning even more, people who identify as lesbian are women who are attracted to other women. Gay traditionally referred to men who are attracted to other men, but lesbians have been known to use this term to describe themselves.

Bisexual is someone who is attracted to their own gender, as well as genders that aren’t their own (men and women.) Transgender refers to people whose gender assigned at birth by a doctor does not match their gender identity. Queer is an umbrella term of sorts, used by people who wouldn’t identify as straight, but feel that gay and lesbian have gendered limitations they aren’t comfortable with. While queer was once a slur, the LGBTQ+ community have reclaimed the word.

• Heterosexual

This is a sexuality that is also referred to as straight. It’s used to describe someone who is attracted to people of the opposite gender.

• Asexual

This refers to someone who doesn’t experience sexual desire or experiences very little. An asexual can still want close relationships and even experience romantic feelings, some people still enjoy self-pleasure. It’s just the idea of someone else sexually isn’t one that gives them desire.

• Pansexual

Pansexual and bisexual are sexualities that people have found some similarities. You may find that you come across people who identify with both. A pansexual is someone who is attracted to people regardless of their gender identity, gender isn’t a defining factor in attraction for them.

• Bicurious

Similar to bisexuality, this is when a person is exploring whether they’re attracted to people of the same gender, as well as people of the opposite gender.

• Hypersexual

This term refers to someone who can be attracted to someone based on their looks alone. They don’t need to know them on a personal level.

• Demisexual

This is a term that sits on the spectrum between asexuality and and hypersexuality. A demisexual is someone who does experience sexual attraction, but only under certain circumstances such as when they’ve formed a strong emotional or romantic relationship with a partner first.

• Aromantic

This term is used by people who don’t experience any romantic attraction. They can enjoy sex without the romance, so are not at all the same as asexual, although they’re often compared.

• Skoliosexual

This is someone who is mainly sexually, romantically and/or aesthetically attracted to genderqueer, transgender, and/or non-binary people. It’s a relatively new term.

• Autosexual

This is a sexuality where you’re attracted to yourself. Autosexuals are still able to have relationships with other people, but prefer sex with themselves.

So, there you have it! 10 sexualities you may have heard, explained. There are a lot more, but it’s important to remember that if you want to learn more, there are plenty of resources out there. Happy Pride!