As a part of CelebMix Cares, CelebMix is celebrating Pride Month.
Finding the perfect identity definition isn’t easy. Some people know exactly what they are – others don’t know until they reach their 30’s. Whichever kind of person you are, don’t worry. Nobody’s forced to put a label on themselves. Even if you feel pressured by your surroundings, try to remember that you don’t owe other people a single thing. They’re not entitled to know anything about your personal life if you don’t feel comfortable sharing it. Don’t forget that no matter what you identify as and who you’re attracted to, both physically and romantically, doesn’t define you as a person. You’re good enough no matter what.
Aromantic: A person who experiences little or no romantic attraction to others and/or a lack of interest in romantic relationships.
Asexual (Ace): A person who does not experience sexual attraction. Dating, having sex, masturbating, experiencing arousal or orgasm, falling in love, getting married, or having children do not conflict with asexuality in any way. Asexuality is a spectrum. There’s not a wrong or right “type.”
Bicurious: Curiosity about having an attraction to people of the same gender as yourself.
Bisexual: A person who is either emotionally, physically, and/or sexually attracted to both men and women. A bisexual person’s attraction does not have to be split 50/50 between men and women for them to be bisexual.
Closeted: A non-straight person who hasn’t come out yet. There can be many reasons why a person isn’t out. They can be afraid to come out to their family and friends because they’re in fear. They can also just not choose to share their sexuality when others because they don’t feel like it. Remember that a person doesn’t have to share it with others if they don’t want to. Some people are closeted because they want to be, and if that’s what they want then you should respect that.
Coming Out: Coming out means that a non-staright person announces their sexuality for the first time to someone else. Coming out should always be a personal choice. No one should be forced into coming out if they’re not ready. There’s not a protocol for doing it, just do it whichever way you’re comfortable.
Demisexual: A person who does not experience sexual attraction unless they have formed a strong emotional connection with another person no matter the gender.
Gay: A term used to describe individuals who are romantically, physically, and/or sexually attracted people of the same gender as yourself. Often used to describe men who are only attracted to other men.
Heteronormativity: The assumption that everyone is heterosexual, and that heterosexuality is superior to all other sexualities.
Heterosexual: Someone who is primarily emotionally, physically, and/or sexually attracted to members of the opposite sex. Also called straight.
Lesbian: A term used to describe a woman who is romantically, physically, and/or emotionally attracted to other women.
Outing: When someone shares another person’s sexual orientation without consent.
Pansexual: A person who experiences sexual, romantic and/or physical attraction for members of all gender identities.
Polyamory/Polyamorous: The practice of, desire to, or orientation towards having ethically, honest, consensually non-monogamous relationships.
Queer: An umbrella term sometimes used by LGBTQ+ people to refer to the entire LGBTQ+ community. It is also used by LGBTQ+ people who don’t feel like any other sexuality definitions describe them.
Questioning: An individual who is unsure about or is exploring their own sexual orientation.
A very special thank you to itspronouncedmetrosexual.com and internationalspectrum.umich.edu
If we forgot to include your sexuality, don’t hesitate to tweet us @CelebMix or @CelebMixCares!