Sexual orientation refers to the types of genders or gender presentations that one is attracted to. Orientation is separate from gender identity, which is an inner identity that a person holds, rather than is attracted to.
There are numerous different types of sexual orientations that a person can have. Among them are:
- Heterosexuality is the physical, emotional, or sexual attraction to individuals of a sex other than one’s own.
- Homosexuality is the physical, emotional, or sexual attraction to individuals of one’s own sex.
- Bisexuality is the physical, emotional, or sexual attraction to individuals of two sexes.
- Asexuality is to have no form of attraction, or no interest in sex.
- Pansexuality is to have physical, emotional, or sexual attraction that is not contained by biological sex, gender, or gender identity. A pansexual can be attracted to one who is cis, or one who is trans.
- Demisexuality is to have physical, emotional, or sexual attraction to someone that one has formed a close bond with. It is similar to pansexuality, but with the added necessity of this emotional bond.
- Gynesexuality is the attraction to femininity, or the presentation of femininity.
- Androsexuality is the attraction to masculinity, or the presentation of masculinity.
And there are many more. Some of these can even be combined (i.e., someone who is demi-pansexual), but all are valid and beautiful. No sexual orientation is natural, and natural order should never be judged on the ability to procreate.
THE CONTINUED FIGHT FOR RIGHTS
Though strides have been made much more recent years to enhance the rights of those with a different sexual orientation, there still exist fringe groups that push harmful ideology. Whether it is that non-heterosexual orientation is unnatural, or that same-sex couples make bad parents, it is all junk science. Sexual orientation is simply part of who someone is.
Obergefell v. Hodges was one of these greatest strides for the rights of those with a minority orientation. Thanks to it, states can no longer have any bans on same-sex marriage, and same-sex couples can get legally married, not just for love but also for the marriage benefits, such as health care sharing and estate ownership.
The world is much more tolerant toward sexual orientation when compared to the pre-Stonewall era, but as previously stated, hateful groups (that try to claim they are not hateful on the basis of “personal belief”) still try to push ideas that are not based in fact and hurt LGBT people. Whether it is Focus on the Family who try to push “traditional marriage” or the American College of Pediatricians, who use a professional sounding name to advance an agenda of stopping same-sex adoption and promoting conversion therapy. Note to parents, if your pediatrician is a member of the ACPeds, please change pediatricians.
PEOPLE ARE BEAUTIFUL
The rights of those with a different sexual orientation do matter. Sexual orientation is not simply “who I want to have intercourse with”, but it involves emotional well being and helpful benefits as well. There are numerous different ones, and all make a person unique and who they are. Just because it cannot be seen does not make it simply “feelings,” as science truly does show its validity. Straight or not, people should be respected and loved.