As we saw earlier in this space, gender is different from sex, contrary to the popular beliefs. Essentially, genetic factors decide an individual’s sex, gender refers to how they identify on the inside. Only the individual themselves can decide what gender identity they would like to embrace. Let us explore some of the commonly known gender, romantic and sexual identities that exist.
Gender identities
Agender
It is a person that does not identify themselves as either of the gender i.e woman or man or no gender at all. Terms like “neutral gender” or “null gender” are also used for agender individuals.
Androgyne
An androgyne individual finds themselves identifying with either both femininity or masculinity or somewhere in between.
Bigender
As the name suggests, a bigender individual is one who identifies to two genders.
Cisgender
A cisgender person typically identifies with the sex that they were assigned at birth.
Gender fluid
An individual who identifies as a gender fluid has a gender identity and presentation that changes between or outside the gender expectations of society.
Gender outlaw
Anyone who identifies themselves as a gender outlaw refuses to allow a definition by society of 'male' or 'female' to describe them.
Genderqueer
A genderqueer person has a gender identity or expression not identical to the expectations of society for the sex that they are given or assumed to be.
Non binary
When an individual does not find themselves identifying to gender within the gender binary, they are called as non binary individuals.
Omnigender
An omnigender individual is one who experiences and possesses all the genders.
Polygender and Pangender
These individuals experience and portray a mixture of multiple genders.
Transgender
This is an umbrella term that is commonly used to describe individuals who do not identify themselves with the gender assigned to them at birth. This could also include individuals who identify themselves as genderfluid or non binary.
Romantic orientation - It specifies the sex or gender a person prefers to have or love in a romantic way. Although they are often studied in conjunction, romantic orientation is not the same as sexual orientation.
Aromantic
These persons are not romantically attracted to people of any gender(s).
Biromantic
When an individual experiences romantic attraction toward both males and females, they are called biromantic individuals.
Heteroromantic
Heteroromantic individuals feel romantically attracted toward person(s) of a different gender.
Homoromantic
As opposed to heteroromantic individuals, homoromantic individuals experience romantic attraction towards person(s) of the same gender.
Panromantic
Panromantic individuals feel romantic attraction towards persons of every gender(s).
Polyromantic
When individuals experience romantic attraction toward multiple, but not all genders, they are called as polyromantic individuals.
Gray-romantic
Gray-romantic individuals do not experience romantic attraction as often.
Demiromantic
These individuals do not feel romantically attracted to someone until after a close emotional bond has been formed. Individuals who identify themselves as demiromantic may opt to further state the gender(s) of those they are attracted to (e.g. demi-biromantic).
Sexual orientation - This explains an individual’s likelihood of experiencing sexual attraction to a particual gender or sex. It means how you are sexually attracted to other people.
Heterosexual (straight)
This describes a person who is attracted only or almost only to the gender different from their own.
Homosexual (gay, lesbian, queer)
Homosexual individuals are attracted only or almost only to those of the same gender.
Bisexual
It is a person who is attracted to both men and women, though not necessarily equally or at the same time.
Pansexual (or omnisexual)
Pansexual individuals are attracted to those of any gender.
Asexual
Asexual individuals are not sexually attracted to any gender. It is important to note that this is different from deciding not to have sex with anyone (abstinence or celibacy).
It is important to note here that this list is not exhaustive and there are many other gender identities, romantic and sexual orientations that exist. Many people become aware of their identities in pubescent years and dealing with this fact can become quite overwhelming for them, even more when they do not exactly fit in the societal identities assigned to them. Whatever your gender or sexual orientation is, remember, you are not alone! There are a lot of individuals in the world who are just like you! They share the same emotions and dilemmas as you. Remember to breathe, pause and reflect if you are experiencing stress.Talking with people who know what you are going through can be comforting and helpful.
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