Sexuality is something that you get to define and by no means do you have to fall in any category if you don’t want to. Here are some things I think you need to know about sexuality.

1. Sexuality and Gender are two separate things.

A person’s sexuality includes who they are sexually attracted to and who they are romantically attracted to. It is not the same as how someone identifies or expresses their gender.

2. A person's sexuality lies on a spectrum.

Sexuality, like most things, is not black and white. There are many gray areas, and it's important to know that not everyone fits into a category. It's fluid, and that's okay.

3. There's a difference between sexual attraction and romantic attraction.

A person may have a different orientation for each, and it's important to realize that not everyone experiences sexual or romantic attraction.

4. When a person chooses to come out is their decision.

If you love someone, don't push them to come out if they don't want to. Everyone's journey is their own, and they have to experience it themselves.

5. A person's sexuality should not be assumed.

Whether or not a person is gay/bisexual/straight/asexual/etc is not detectable from the outside. Instead of assuming things, wait until that person is willing to have the conversation with you.

6. Bisexuality is a real thing, and it doesn't mean that someone just isn't ready to come out yet or is going through a phase.

Bisexuality isn't a pitstop on the way to being fully gay/lesbian, and it isn't just confusion. It's a real identity, and you have to treat it as such.

7. Statistics about sexuality in the United States are difficult to rely on.

There are many reasons for this. Some people are afraid to admit to strangers administering surveys their sexuality. Not to mention most of the highly reported statistics are from research done up to 15 years ago, which makes them less likely to represent current numbers. Some will ask why we should change laws based on 'a small population.' How can we know the exact numbers if the surveys aren't truly representative? And why should it matter?

8. Those who identify as Asexual and Aromantic can still identify that way even if they have sex or are in romantic relationships.

It's more about the attraction they feel towards others. While they may not experience romantic or sexual attraction, they still may have those kinds of interactions in relationships. There is also an area of grey within asexuality and aromanticism where some people will experience these types of attraction on a rare basis.

9. Stereotypes about sexuality lead to some pretty negative consequences.

At times fitting into a stereotype was part of the culture of the subgroups of sexualities. As time has gone on and people have become more accepting it's important to realize that stereotyping what a gay or lesbian person looks and acts like isn't acceptable. Not everyone fits into these boxes, and it can isolate people who need a support group more than anything.

10. Sexuality is important, but it doesn't have to define who you are.

A person can be gay, lesbian, bi, pan, or ace. It doesn't mean that that's the only thing they are. They may also be funny, kind, compassionate, and really good at Scrabble. You are not your sexuality.

11. Everyone is different.

A person's journey to discovering themselves is theirs and theirs only. It's going to take as much time as they need. They will be confused, angry, upset, happy, proud, and eventually, they will accept themselves. All you need to do is be there for them.