Sexual Orientation Basics

What is Sexual Orientation?

Sexual orientation is a person's gender identity in relation to the gender to which they are attracted.

There are a variety of sexual orientations, and it is often said that everyone falls on a spectrum of sexuality depending on how strongly they are attracted to a certain gender.

How do I figure out what my sexual orientation is?

Sexual orientation is complicated. ​

Firstly, it isn't choice. No one chooses to be gay, lesbian, or bisexual, just as no one chooses to be heterosexual (straight). Discovering where you fall on this spectrum is a process unique to you; ranging from days to years, each journey to discovery is different. There are all sorts of different sexualities, and it's not something that you need to decide overnight. You are allowed to experiment and find out who and what you are attracted to.