Differences between sexual orientation and gender identity

If there is a common mistake, it is to think that sexual orientation and gender identity are the same. But, in reality, they are very different aspects that should be understood. In the following article we describe those differences.

If a person is transgender, does that mean they are homosexual? The answer is “not always.” And it is not because There are clear differences between sexual orientation and gender identity. However, in our collective ideology we tend to merge both spheres, thereby confusing concepts and unintentionally carrying out some exercise of discrimination.

While gender identity defines the way a person feels and experiences their own gender, sexual orientation is linked to who you are attracted to and who you love. Understanding these dimensions and integrating, in turn, a common vocabulary in this area, facilitates inclusion and allows us to speak, disseminate and express ourselves appropriately. Let’s see more details below.

Today, dating apps already take into account all gender identities and sexual orientations.

Defining concepts: sexual orientation and gender identity

Our society is advancing in terms of diversity and this is something valuable. However, this openness to the entire set of ways of loving and feeling requires a good understanding of the subject. A work shared in Frontiers in Psychology reviews the controversies that have occurred throughout history with this topic.

Although the weight of stigma continues to accompany the LGTBI+ community, progress is evident. As the same publication indicates, the concept of gender identity was coined in the 1960s, to define the persistent internal feeling of belonging to the male or female gender category. Decades later, this spectrum expanded.

Today, we already clearly define the borders between the two spheres. So, Identity refers to how we identify with our gender, beyond the biological sex with which we come into the world.. For its part, sexual orientation expresses who we are attracted to, without this having to coincide with our gender identity.

How are sexual orientation and gender identity different?

Research released by the Oregon Health and Science University highlights that there are clear differences between sexual orientation and gender identity. They are independent components; Although we often assume that there is a direct correspondence between genital sex and a person’s gender identity, this does not always happen.

It is important to specify those nuances that draw distances between one dimension and the other. Let’s delve into this.

Gender identity defines who you are

Gender identity is a very intimate perception that integrates emotional, psychological and social aspects. In them, the way in which a person perceives and expresses themselves is built. Likewise, it is decisive to know that this sphere can manifest itself through four categories:

Non-binary people: In this characteristic, the person does not clearly identify with either gender.Cisgender: In this case, gender identity coincides with the biological sex with which the person was born and that society itself and their family assign to them for that reason.Transsexual: The transsexual person is one who, since their gender identity does not coincide with their biological sex, decides to initiate a hormonal and surgical transition.Transgender: They are men and women who do not identify with those biological characteristics with which they came into the world. This forces them to have to take the step in many areas, such as family and social, to live and express themselves in accordance with their perceived gender.

Sexual orientation, who you love and who you are attracted to

To understand the differences between sexual orientation and gender identity, it is interesting to take into account how we relate sexually and emotionally with others. Because, as we well know, Human beings love, bond and relate in multiple ways and all are equally valid and significant. Let’s analyze, immediately, the sexual orientations that we can feel:

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Heterosexuality: attraction to sex different from ours.Homosexuality: attraction to those of the same sex.Bisexuality: This case defines the attraction felt by both sexes.Asexuality: It covers people who do not experience sexual attraction.Pansexuality: In this type of orientation one feels attraction to any gender identity.

Gender identity usually develops in childhood and is sometimes out of step with biological and socially assigned sex.

Development of gender identity and sexual orientation

How do our gender identity and sexual orientation develop in us? Is there a biological component or are they “social constructions”? Answering this question is complex, especially if we look for empirical and scientific support.

We need more longitudinal and larger-scale research to have clear results in this regard. Despite this, there are facts that we frequently observe and that we will list for you:

Children usually express their gender identity and sexual orientation before adolescence.When gender identity does not correspond to one’s biological sex, contradiction and suffering appear, in certain cases. Generally, It takes time to integrate these realities and, above all, good family and social support.Doubts and difficult emotions arise; above all, at the time when a young person must express this internal reality to his family and friends. The school years tend to be the most complex for people from the LGTBI community, because bullying phenomena sometimes appear.

How to face the problems associated with the differences between sexual orientation and gender identity?

Information helps and discourages concerns about sexuality. Knowing that there are differences between sexual orientation and gender identity strengthens self-knowledge and allows us to be compassionate with ourselves. In fact, a study by the University of British Columbia highlights the need to care for adolescents trapped in situations dominated by stigma and rejection.

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In this scenario, it would be enriching to promote adequate education on gender identity and sexual orientation in all schools, integrate psychologists specialized in LGTB+ into these institutions, facilitate access to organizations and entities authorized in this field and promote greater awareness among families. in this matter.

Although we are breaking down many stigmas in this area, we have some way to go. Only through empathy, knowledge and sensitivity will we be able to create a more respectful society; the one where you understand that there are many ways to love yourself, to feel, to identify yourself. And they all fit; they are all valid.