Sexual Orientation

Sexual orientation describes the enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, and sexual attraction a person feels toward others. The American Psychological Association notes it also refers to a person's sense of identity built on those attractions, related behaviors, and belonging to a community that shares them. Common orientations include heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, and asexual, among others, and researchers describe orientation as existing along a spectrum rather than in fixed boxes. Major medical and psychological organizations understand sexual orientation as a normal part of human diversity, not a disorder or a choice, and reject efforts to change it through therapy. A person's sexual orientation can also differ from their romantic orientation and from their gender identity.