Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Terms

14 cards·by Georgia Adamson

biological sex

biological differences between male and females (sex organs, genetic composition)

bisexual

being physically and/or emotionally attracted to members of both sexes

gay

homosexual, generally males who are physically and/or emotionally attracted to other males

gender identity

a person's own sense of identification as male or female, doesn't have to match biological identity

sexual orientation

a person's sense of sexual attraction to people of the same, opposite, or both sexes

heterosexual

people who are physically and/or emotionally attracted to members of the opposite sex

lesbian

females who are physically and/or emotionally attracted to other females

transgender

a person whose gender identity does not match society's expectations for someone with their physical sex characteristics

two spirited

used in First Nations and Aboriginal cultures, refers to people having both male and female spirit (sexual orientation and gender identity)

pansexual

people who are physically and/or emotionally attracted to no group(s) in particular

transsexual

a person who experiences intense personal and emotional discomfort with their gender and may undergo treatment to transition

intersex

the person's sex chromosomes, genitalia, and/or secondary sex characteristics (facial hair, breasts) aren't just female or male

gender expression

the way people express their gender identity to others (male or female, a combination, mixed)

asexual

a person who has no sexual attraction to others