Sexual Orientation

The term sexual orientation refers to not only to whom you are sexually attracted to but it may also refer to whom you would like to have an emotional connection or relationships with.  This can include gay, lesbian, straight, bisexual, asexual and other forms of attraction.

Homosexuality:

Homosexuality refers to sexual and/or romantic attraction to members of your own sex and gender. Homosexual men often prefer to call themselves gay, homosexual women often prefer to call themselves lesbian

Heterosexuality:

Heterosexuality is sexual and/or romantic attraction to a  member of the opposit sex and gender. A man who is exclusively attracted to women, a woman who is exclusively attracted to men. Heterosexual people are often also refered to as "straight".

Bisexuality:

This is romantic attraction, sexual attraction, or sexual activity aimed at both men and women, or at more than one sex or gender. It may also be defined as romantic or sexual attraction to people of any sex or gender identity. For the latter we often also find the term "pansexuality".

Asexuality:

Asexuality is a sexual orientation just as homosexuality, heterosexuality or bisexuality. However, asexuality is mostly only expressed as a romantic or emotional interest. People defining themselves as "asexual" have no or only very desire for sexual contact.  

Sexual orientation and Gender identity:

A trans man or trans woman can also be heterosexual or homosexual , the same way like a cis man or a cis woman. For example: A trans woman is a woman with a female sexual orientation no matter if she had had gender reassignment surgery or not. If she is sexually attracted  to men then she is heterosexual, if she is attracted to women then she is lesbian.

Queer:

The word queer has several meanings. It can be used as a short word characterizing the whole lgbtqi* community, or it can also be used in a more specific way. Many people identify specifically as "queer" because they don`t want to be boxed into any specific lgbt identity. Some people also use it to signify that they are questioning or exploring their sexuality and/or gender identity.