What is Sexual Orientation?
Who you’re romantically, emotionally, or physically attracted to. Some people feel attraction to one gender, multiple genders, or none at all — and all of these experiences are valid.
Understanding Sexual Orientation
Sexual orientation isn’t a choice — it’s an innate part of who we are. Some people realize their orientation early in life, while others explore and define it over time. It’s okay to question, to change labels, or to never use a label at all.
Feeling safe and accepted in your sexual orientation is crucial for mental well-being. Many LGBTQ+ people face stigma, rejection, or discrimination, which can lead to:
Anxiety, depression, or isolation
Fear of coming out or being misjudged
Internalized shame or confusion about their identity
But in supportive environments, mental health outcomes improve significantly. That’s why this campaign exists — to create spaces where people can be their authentic selves without fear. When we break stigma, we allow people to thrive.
Common Identities
Sexuality exists on a spectrum, and people experience attraction in many ways. Here are some commonly used terms:
Lesbian – Women who are attracted to women
Gay – Men who are attracted to men (sometimes used as an umbrella term)
Bisexual – Attraction to more than one gender
Pansexual – Attraction regardless of gender
Asexual – Little to no sexual attraction to others
Demisexual – Attraction only after forming an emotional bond
Queer – A flexible term for identities outside of heteronormativity
Some people prefer no label, and that’s okay too! Your orientation is valid, no matter how you define it.
Imagine a color spectrum:
Some people might feel drawn toward one color their whole life.
Others may see their colors shift or blend over time.
Some people exist in spaces between colors, or outside of the spectrum entirely.
Just like gender, attraction isn’t black and white. There’s no one way to experience it, and no “right” or “wrong” identity.
Our campaign supports breaking the stigma around sexual orientation by celebrating the full spectrum of attraction. No one should feel pressured to fit into a rigid box.
Visualizing Sexual Orientation
EXPLORING SEXUAL ORIENATION
If you’re questioning or reflecting on your sexual orientation, here are some guiding questions to help:
Who have I felt drawn to—romantically, emotionally, or physically?
How do I feel when I hear different identity labels? Do any resonate with me?
Have I ever felt pressure to like a certain gender or conform to expectations?
Do I feel safe expressing my identity in my current environment? What would make me feel safer?
What does love, attraction, and connection mean to me?
There’s no rush to define yourself. You deserve to explore at your own pace and embrace whatever feels true to you.
