Same-Gender Sexual Identity Formation

Before coming out, one has to come to terms with their own sexuality. Though it may be difficult to fully comprehend at the time, sexual identity formation  almost always occurs in a predictable progression from some sort of awareness of same gender attractions and feelings, to the total incorporation of the new identity into the…

Overview of Sexual Orientations

Sexual orientation is a term that describes a person’s sexual, emotional, or romantic attraction, as well as the gender(s) of the people they are attracted to.1, 2 Sexual orientation differs from gender identity in that gender identity describes a person’s psychological identification with a particular gender, rather than their attraction to people.  The Kinsey Scale—developed…

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Sex, sexual orientation, gender, and gender identity are commonly confused terms often used inconsistently and interchangeably. However, there are important distinctions between these ideas that involve both biological and social factors. The complex interaction between them influence a person’s identity, sexual attraction, emotional attraction, and gender expression as the iconic image of the “Genderbread Person”…

Situational Homosexuality

Situational homosexuality is a term used to describe individual homosexual behaviors performed outside of a typical homosexual lifestyle. This article discusses situational homosexuality, its origins, and its presence in modern society. Definition and Origin Situational homosexuality, sometimes referred to as pseudo-homosexuality, is sexual behavior that is different from the mannerisms that person normally exhibits. This behavior is…

Finding a Queer Partner

Regardless of one’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or geographical location, dating can be a frustrating, intimidating, and confusing experience. For queer people, the concept of finding a partner can be especially daunting. Fortunately, there is an increasing variety of resources and methods for queer people to navigate finding relationships, casual sex, and friends in their…

The Kinsey Scale

Contrary to popular belief, sexuality is not binary. Sexual orientation is not limited to the two categories of heterosexual and homosexual. Rather, there is a whole spectrum of sexuality and people may fall in between certain categories or change their minds over time. Biologist and sexologist Alfred C. Kinsey captures this idea with his seven-point…

LGBTQ Rights in the U.S.

Disclaimer: This article discusses the modern legal stances on LGBTQ+ rights. Here at SexInfo, we are not legal professionals. We also recognize that sexual orientation goes beyond lesbian, gay, and bisexual; in addition, gender identity goes beyond cisgender, transgender, and non-binary. We use these identities to remain concise and applicable to the identities mentioned in…

Sodomy Laws in the U.S.

The modern definition of sodomy is any “noncoital carnal copulation” or any kind of “non-penile-vaginal intercourse.” 1 This definition is an umbrella term for any sexual activity that is not for procreation such as homosexual behavior, anal sex, bestiality and zoophilia, sex with minors, and many other sexual activities such as oral sex. The antiquated…

Cross-dressing

Fetishistic Transvestism Transvestism, most commonly referred to as “cross-dressing,” refers to the act of experiencing sexual arousal from wearing clothes typically associated with the opposite gender. For example, a Transvestism, more commonly known as “cross-dressing,” refers to the act of experiencing sexual arousal from wearing clothes typically associated with wearing cloths associated with a gender different…