11 Things I Think You Should Know About Sexuality | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

11 Things I Think You Should Know About Sexuality

It's confusing, but we're all in this together.

573
11 Things I Think You Should Know About Sexuality
Grey's Anatomy Wiki

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.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
friends
tv.com

"Friends" maybe didn’t have everything right or realistic all the time, but they did have enough episodes to create countless reaction GIFs and enough awesomeness to create, well, the legacy they did. Something else that is timeless, a little rough, but memorable? Living away from the comforts of home. Whether you have an apartment, a dorm, your first house, or some sort of residence that is not the house you grew up in, I’m sure you can relate to most of these!

Keep Reading...Show less
man working on a laptop
Pexels

There is nothing quite like family.

Family is kinda like that one ex that you always find yourself running back to (except without all the regret and the angsty breakup texts that come along with it).

Keep Reading...Show less
bored kid
Google Images

No matter how long your class is, there's always time for the mind to wander. Much like taking a shower or trying to fall asleep, sitting in a classroom can be a time when you get some of your best ideas. But, more than likely, you're probably just trying to mentally cope with listening to a boring lecturer drone on and on. Perhaps some of the following Aristotle-esque thoughts have popped into your head during class.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Advice To Live By As Told By Bob's Burgers

The Belchers hold the key to a better life.

1209
Bob's Burgers
Adult Swim

Bob's Burgers is arguably one of the best and most well-written shows on tv today. That, and it's just plain hilarious. From Louise's crazy antics to Tina's deadpan self-confidence, whether they are planning ways to take over school or craft better burgers, the Belchers know how to have fun. They may not be anywhere close to organized or put together, but they do offer up some wise words once and awhile.

Keep Reading...Show less
Rory Gilmore

We're in college, none of us actually have anything together. In fact, not having anything together is one of our biggest stressors. However, there's a few little things that we do ever so often that actually make us feel like we have our lives together.

1. Making yourself dinner

And no this does not include ramen or Annie's Mac & Cheese. Making a decent meal for yourself is one of the most adult things you can do living on campus. And the food is much better than it would be at the dining hall.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments