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Sexual identity may also be used to describe a person's perception of their own sex, rather than sexual orientation. The term sexual preference has a similar meaning to sexual orientation, and the two terms are often used interchangeably, but the American Psychological Association states sexual preference suggests a degree of voluntary choice. [9]
A sexual minority is a demographic whose sexual identity, orientation or practices differ from the majority of the surrounding society. Primarily used to refer to lesbian, gay, bisexual , or non-heterosexual individuals, [ 1 ] [ 2 ] it can also refer to transgender , [ 3 ] non-binary (including third gender [ 4 ] ) or intersex individuals.
Sexual orientation is commonly discussed as a characteristic of the individual, like biological sex, gender identity, or age. This perspective is incomplete because sexual orientation is always defined in relational terms and necessarily involves relationships with other individuals.
Someone's sexual orientation is their pattern of sexual interest in the opposite and/or same sex. [5] Physical and emotional aspects of sexuality include bonds between individuals that are expressed through profound feelings or physical manifestations of love, trust, and care. Social aspects deal with the effects of human society on one's ...
Sexual identity can change throughout an individual's life, and may or may not align with biological sex, sexual behavior or actual sexual orientation. [ 6 ] [ 7 ] [ 8 ] In a 1990 study by the Social Organization of Sexuality, only 15.7% of women and 34.9% of men who reported some level of same-sex attraction had a homosexual or bisexual identity.
The field of psychology has extensively studied homosexuality as a human sexual orientation.The American Psychiatric Association listed homosexuality in the DSM-I in 1952 as a "sociopathic personality disturbance," [1] but that classification came under scrutiny in research funded by the National Institute of Mental Health.
The right to sexuality incorporates the right to express one's sexuality and to be free from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.Although it is equally applicable to heterosexuality, it also encompasses human rights of people of diverse sexual orientations, including lesbian, gay, asexual and bisexual people, and the protection of those rights.
Non-heterosexual is a word for a sexual orientation or sexual identity that is not heterosexual. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] The term helps define the "concept of what is the norm and how a particular group is different from that norm". [ 3 ]