Sexual orientation and gender identity are distinct aspects of a person's identity. Sexual orientation refers to an individual's physical, emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attraction towards another person. It can be expressed through behavior, dress, language, or other visible means, but also occurs internally within an individual. Gender identity is a person's sense of self as male, female, both, neither, or something else, which may or may not match their assigned sex at birth.
Gender expression includes behavior, appearance, mannerisms, interests, and roles associated with one's gender identity. Transgender individuals experience incongruence between their gender identity and sex assigned at birth, while cisgender people identify with their sex assigned at birth. Bisexual individuals are attracted to both men and women, while homosexual individuals are exclusively attracted to same-sex partners. Asexual individuals lack sexual desire for any gender. Intersex individuals have biological characteristics that do not conform to traditional male or female categories. Pansexual individuals are attracted to all genders.
Studies suggest that sexual orientation and gender identity are influenced by genetics, environment, and developmental factors. Hormones play a role in sexual differentiation during fetal development. Social constructs such as culture, media, religion, and family influence how one perceives gender. Personal experiences shape identity formation through socialization and personal interactions. Researchers continue to investigate the interplay between biology and psychosocial factors in shaping sexual orientation and gender identity.
Sexuality encompasses all aspects of intimate relationships, including eroticism, sensuality, affection, passion, love, and companionship. Sexual behaviors include kissing, touching, penetration, orgasm, foreplay, masturbation, and more. Intimacy involves emotional closeness, trust, communication, support, empathy, and vulnerability. Relationships range from casual encounters to long-term commitments. Sexual identities can change over time due to life events, new experiences, or self-discovery. Gender identities may also evolve throughout life.