Sexual identity terms refer to words and phrases used to describe human sexuality and orientation including gay, lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual. These terms are not related to gender identity and may differ depending on the individual person or culture. In addition, terminology changes over time and will continue to evolve into the future.

There’s no right answer for determining how you identify related to gender and sexuality, but discovery usually begins with internal awareness and may include exploring how you can express your gender identity and sexual orientation with others.

A person’s sexual identity or sexual orientation describes who they are sexually attracted to. Sexuality is separate from gender identity. Sexual identities include but are not limited to: TGNC is an acronym speaking directly about people who are trans or gender nonconforming.

Medical News Today uses definitions of sexual, romantic, and gender identities that come from LGBTQIA+ and ally sources. However, it is important to note that these identities are personal, and people may define them differently. Always refer to a person’s sexual, romantic, or gender identity the same way the person describes it. What is sexuality?