Sexuality & Sexual Orientation
What do all these different words mean?
Sex: refers to the biological -- i.e. whether your sexual organs are male or female
Gender: refers to the cultural -- i.e. mannerisms, habits and characteristics (masculinity and famininity) which
are frequently associated with biological sex
Sexual Orientation: the preference for partners of a certain sex -- i.e. heterosexuality, homosexuality or bisexuality
Homosexual: people who are sexually and romantically attracted to others
of the same sex (men attracted to men; women attracted to women)
Heterosexual: people who are sexually and romantically attracted to people of another sex (men attracted to women, and vice versa)
Gay: refers primarily to men who are attracted to other men, although sometimes used as an umbrella term for anyone
of non-heterosexual orientation
Lesbian: women who are sexually and romantically attracted to other women
Bisexual or Bi: people who are sexually and romantically attracted to both men and women
(but not necessarily at the same time)
Queer: an all-encompassing term for a community of self-identified
people (including but not limited to lesbians, gay men, bisexuals,
trans people, and anyone else). It can also be used in a derogatory
manner.
Transgender: used as an "umbrella" term to describe
a number of variations along the gender continuum. The word 'transgender'
is often used to include transsexual, cross-dresser, inter-sex, transvestite,
and drag queen/king.
Two-Spirited: The term "two-spirited" has a number
of meanings within several different contexts. In contemporary times,
with the advent of lesbian and gay liberation, "two-spirited"
often means aboriginal people who identify themselves as gay or lesbian.
The term "two-spirited" originates from the First Nations'
recognition of the traditions and sacredness of people who maintain
a balance by housing both male and female spirit.
What is homophobia?
Homophobia is the fear and hatred of those who love and sexually desire others of the same sex. Frequently, homophobia is a learned behaviour starting at home where fears, lack of education, lack of acceptance, religious beliefs and lack of personal interaction are factors promoting the hate and ridicule of the gay community.
What is heterosexism?
Heterosexism is the assumption that everyone is or should be heterosexual and therefore excludes the needs, concerns and life experiences of those who are not.