Different kinds of gay
47 Terms That Explain Sexual Attraction, Deed, and Orientation
It’s OK to feel unsure or overwhelmed by all of the terms we now have to narrate sexual and love-related orientation, attraction, and behavior.
Expanding the language you apply to describe your sexuality can provide important guidance, validation, and access to community while on your journey of sexual self-discovery and satisfaction.
Mere Abrams is a researcher, journalist, educator, consultant, and licensed clinical social worker who reaches a worldwide audience through public speaking, publications, social media (@meretheir), and gender therapy and assist services practice . Mere uses their personal experience and diverse professional background to support individuals exploring gender and help institutions, organizations, and businesses to increase gender literacy and identify opportunities to demonstrate gender inclusion in products, services, programs, projects, and content.
Sexual diversity is a complex and vast phenomenon that encompasses a wide range of identities and orientations. Within this diversity, homosexuality has been an protest of study and debate throughout history. In this article we will investigate the different types of homosexuality and their characteristics, with the aim of better understanding the richness and variety of experiences that exist in the LGBT+ community.
1. Male homosexuality
Male homosexuality refers to romantic and/or sexual attraction between men. Gay men may identify as same-sex attracted, bisexual, or other identities within the LGBTQ+ spectrum. This sexual orientation has been stigmatized and questioned in many cultures throughout history, but it is increasingly recognized and esteemed in today's society.
Characteristics of male homosexuality:
- Romantic and/or sexual interest in people of the same gender.
- Emotional and relationship experiences with other men.
- Possibility of identifying with various terms within the LGBTQ+ spectrum .
2. Female homosexuality
Female homosexuality refers to romantic and/or sexual attraction
Glossary of Terms
Many Americans refrain from talking about sexual orientation and gender identity or verbalization because it feels taboo, or because they’re terrified of saying the erroneous thing.
This glossary was written to help give people the words and meanings to help make conversations easier and more easy . LGBTQ+ people use a variety of terms to identify themselves, not all of which are included in this glossary. Always listen for and respect a person’s self identified terminology.
Ally | A designation used to describe someone who is actively supportive of LGBTQ+ people. It encompasses straight and cisgender allies, as well as those within the Diverse community who support each other (e.g., a queer woman who is an ally to the bisexual community).
Asexual | Often called “ace” for short, asexual refers to a complete or partial lack of sexual attraction or lack of interest in sexual exercise with others. Asexuality exists on a spectrum, and asexual people may encounter no, little or conditional sexual attraction.
Biphobia | The fear and hatred of, or discomfort with
Types
Some gay men use types to describe, identify and communicate themselves. Who hasn't heard someone utter “he’s my type" or been asked if a guy is yours? There is always some disagreement around the terms we use and whether we should use them at all.
Therefore, you should be sensitive if applying a type to someone, bearing in mind some gay men reject them altogether as confined, superficial, and demeaning. Equally, some use types affectionately and as a convenient shorthand.
It's a bit of a bear pit (no pun intended), but here's our take on types, though you are perfectly entitled to toss them out and be your own gay, your own homo, queer, etc.
Physical types and personal characteristics
Some guys are primarily attracted to physical types of queer men (eg: bears, twinks, and muscle guys) while some discover characteristics in men most attractive (eg: warmth, intelligence, and humour). Others mix and match and understanding these distinctions is important.
For example, the type(s) of men we find attractive sexually may not necessarily be the qualities we are looking for to sust