Sexual Orientation Terms

noun a person who is sexually attracted to people of the opposite sex

adjective of, relating to, or characterized by a tendency to be sexually attracted to people of the opposite sex

• The study focused on the differences in marriage rates between heterosexual and homosexual couples.
• She mentioned that her brother is heterosexual and is currently dating a woman.
• Some people still hold outdated beliefs about what it means to be heterosexual.
• The author used the concept of a heterosexual relationship as a metaphor for societal norms.

noun a biological characteristic that distinguishes male and female organisms

verb to engage in sexual activity

adjective related to sexual characteristics or activities

• The topic of sex education is an important one in schools.
• Do you think they're going to have sex tonight?
• I heard they hooked up last night, so they definitely had sex.
• The tension between the two countries is like a game of political sex, with each side trying to outmaneuver the other.

noun a person who is sexually attracted to men

• An androphile is someone who is primarily attracted to men.
• I heard that John is an androphile, he always seems to have a crush on male celebrities.
• My friend is a total androphile, he only dates guys.
• Being an androphile, she felt a deep connection with the male characters in the novel.

adjective relating to or characterized by a preference for males or masculinity

• The researcher studied the phenomenon of androphilic individuals in society.
• She's androphilic, meaning she is attracted to men.
• He's totally into guys, he's androphilic.
• Her androphilic nature shines through in her love for masculine qualities.

noun a sexual attraction to the elderly

• Gerontophilia is a psychiatric disorder characterized by a primary or exclusive sexual attraction to the elderly.
• Some people with gerontophilia are attracted to older individuals because of their life experiences and wisdom.
• I heard that guy has a thing for seniors, like some kind of gerontophilia.
• His gerontophilia extends beyond physical attraction, as he is drawn to the wisdom and stories of older people.

noun an acronym that stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Transexual, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Ally, and Pansexual, used to represent the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community

• The acronym LGBTTQQIAAP stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Two-Spirit, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and Pansexual.
• Many people in the LGBTTQQIAAP community face discrimination and prejudice on a daily basis.
• Some slang terms used within the LGBTTQQIAAP community include 'queer' and 'ace'.
• The rainbow flag is often used as a symbol of pride and unity for the LGBTTQQIAAP community.

noun a sexual orientation characterized by a predominant or exclusive sexual attraction to members of one sex or gender

• Monosexuality refers to the sexual attraction to individuals of only one gender.
• Some people may not understand monosexuality and may ask insensitive questions.
• I heard she's strictly monosexual and not interested in dating anyone else.
• In a world that often values monosexuality, it can be challenging for those who are attracted to multiple genders.

noun a term used to describe discrimination or prejudice against individuals who identify as bisexual, pansexual, or other non-monosexual orientations

• Monosexism is the belief that only individuals who are exclusively heterosexual or exclusively homosexual are valid.
• Some people may not realize they are perpetuating monosexism by assuming everyone is either straight or gay.
• Don't be monosexist and assume someone's sexual orientation based on stereotypes.
• Breaking down monosexism is essential for creating a more inclusive society.

noun a sexual orientation characterized by a lack of sexual attraction or desire towards others

• Asexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by a lack of sexual attraction.
• Some people may not understand asexuality, but it is a valid and real identity.
• Asexuality is just another way of being, no need to make a big deal out of it.
• In a world obsessed with sex, asexuality can be seen as a breath of fresh air.

adjective a term used to describe someone who is predominantly attracted to the opposite gender but is also open to same-gender relationships

• She identified as heteroflexible, meaning she was primarily attracted to the opposite sex but open to the possibility of being attracted to the same sex.
• My friend considers herself heteroflexible because she has mostly dated men but is open to dating women as well.
• Some people use the term 'heteroflexible' to describe being mostly straight but willing to explore same-sex relationships.
• Being heteroflexible is like having a sliding scale of attraction where one's preferences can shift over time.

noun a person who is pansexual

adjective referring to a person who is attracted to people of all genders

• The term 'pansexual' refers to individuals who are attracted to people regardless of their gender identity.
• My friend came out as pansexual and is now exploring relationships with people of all genders.
• Some people use the term 'pan' to describe being pansexual.
• Being pansexual is like having a colorblind approach to love and attraction.

noun a person who is willing to try any sexual activity or experience, regardless of their usual sexual orientation

adjective relating to or characterized by a willingness to try any sexual activity or experience, regardless of one's usual sexual orientation

• The term 'trysexual' is sometimes used to describe someone who is open to trying new sexual experiences.
• I heard that Jenny is a bit of a trysexual and is always up for experimenting in the bedroom.
• Some people think being trysexual is cool because it shows you're not afraid to explore your sexuality.
• In a figurative sense, being trysexual can also apply to being open-minded and willing to try new things in general.