Sexual vs. romantic orientation
‘Sexuality’ describes the whole way a person expresses themselves as a sexual being. Romantic orientation describes any preference they may have towards the gender(s) of romantic partner they choose.
The way we choose to behave sexually and romantically is both individual and complex - it rarely falls into simple labels. While labels might be restrictive to some, others might find validation from finding an identity.
Types of sexual and romantic orientation
All sexual and romantic orientations are natural and valid. They are all on the spectrum as well. Common sexualities:
1. Heterosexual
2. Homosexual
3. Bisexual
4. Pansexual
5. Asexual
Common romantic orientations:
1. Heteroromantic
2. Homoromantic
3. Biromantic
4. Panromantic
5. Aromantic
Coming out
Choosing when to come out, and to who, is a personal decision - there is no right or wrong.
Some may think it's not safe for them to come out. This can be due to:
• Attitudes/ beliefs of those around them
• Legal situation in the location that they live, work or study in
Coming out to yourself
• This can occur at any stage of your life
• Many people still experience discrimination and hence, coming out to yourself can still be a very scary one
• It can be more distressing if your family/ wider community is not positive towards the community