Psychology 2075 : Textbook chap 14.docx
Document Summary
Sexual identity: one"s self-identity as gay, heterosexual, bisexual, or asexual. Sexual orientation: a person"s erotic and emotional orientation toward members of his or her own gender or members of the other gender. Homosexual: a person whose sexual orientation is toward members of the same gender. The use of gay or lesbian is preferable for three reasons: In the past, it has been associated with negative stereotypes such as deviance, mental illness, and criminal behaviour, and thus can be used as derogatory label. It emphasizes sexual behaviour rather than sexual identity. 2: ambiguous because even tough it is a general term, it has often been used to refer exclusively to gay men. Asexual: a person who is not attracted to men or women. Pansexual: individuals that are open to relationships with people of any sex, gender, or gender identity. There may be contradiction between people"s sexual identity (subjective) and their actual choice of sexual partners viewed objectively.