What is sexual orientation?

Sexual orientation is the term used to describe what gender a person is attracted to. They could be attracted to a person of the opposite sex, they could be attracted to a person of the same sex or they could be attracted to both sexes.

These attractions can be summarised under the following headings:

Heterosexuality

This is when a person is attracted to or engagement in sexual behaviour with a person of the opposite sex or gender.

Homosexuality

This is when a person is attracted to or engaged in sexual behaviour with a person of the same sex or gender. Men who are sexually attracted to other men are called gay. Women who are sexually attracted to other women may be called gay but may also be called lesbians.

Bisexuality

This is when a person is attracted to or have been engaged in sexual behaviour with men and women.

Assexuality

This is when a person lacks sexual attraction to other people.

LGBT

If a person identifies with being Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, they may find comfort, support and like-minded people in LGBT community.

Check out the CCEA GCSE Learning for Life and Work Second Edition Textbook to find out more or check out: My Revision Notes: CCEA GCSE Learning for Life and Work: Second Edition

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