sexual preference
Who attracts you
Sexual preference refers to the types of people someone is sexually attracted to—typically regarding gender, but sometimes extended to physical characteristics, personality traits, or sexual activities.
The term has fallen out of favor for describing orientation toward genders, as preference implies choice rather than innate disposition; sexual orientation is now preferred in that context.
Sexual preference remains neutral when describing tastes within attraction: Her sexual preferences include older partners.
Attracted to multiple genders
- pansexualAttracted regardless of gender
- demisexualAttraction only after bonding
- polysexualAttracted to multiple genders
- queerUnusual or non-normative
straight · gay · lesbian · fluid · androsexual · omnisexual · sapiosexual · bicurious
Intense wanting
- typeCategory sharing traits
- chemistryStudy of substances' interactions
- magnetismForce between poles
- appealFormal review request
draw · pull · turn-on · arousal · fantasy · lust · longing · interest
Sexual and gender minorities
- coming outRevealing one's identity
- closetedKeeping part of oneself secret
- self-discoveryLearning one's true character
- acceptanceConsent to receive
pride · community · expression · authenticity · label · orientation · queerness · visibility
Pursuing romantic connections
- partnerOne who shares activity
- compatibilityMutual suitability between things
- monogamyOne partner at a time
- polyamoryConsensual multiple romantic relationships
open relationship · exclusivity · courtship · romance · intimacy · commitment · pairing · coupling
Debate over innate versus acquired traits
- born this wayIntrinsic from origin
- choiceAct of selecting
- fluidityState of flowing freely
- conversion therapyPractice targeting sexual identity
acceptance · tolerance · discrimination · prejudice · homophobia · biphobia · rights · equality
bisexual
Attracted to multiple genders
- pansexualAttracted regardless of gender
- demisexualAttraction only after bonding
- polysexualAttracted to multiple genders
queer · straight · gay · lesbian · fluid · androsexual · omnisexual · sapiosexual · bicurious · questioning
desire
Intense wanting
appeal · draw · pull · turn-on · arousal · fantasy · lust · longing · interest · fixation
LGBTQ+
Sexual and gender minorities
- coming outRevealing one's identity
- closetedKeeping part of oneself secret
- self-discoveryLearning one's true character
acceptance · pride · community · expression · authenticity · label · orientation · queerness · visibility · affirming
dating
Pursuing romantic connections
- partnerOne who shares activity
- compatibilityMutual suitability between things
- monogamyOne partner at a time
polyamory · open relationship · exclusivity · courtship · romance · intimacy · commitment · pairing · coupling · match
nature versus nurture
Debate over innate versus acquired traits
- born this wayIntrinsic from origin
- choiceAct of selecting
- fluidityState of flowing freely
conversion therapy · acceptance · tolerance · discrimination · prejudice · homophobia · biphobia · rights · equality · marriage equality
sexual preferencesexual orientation
Attraction pattern by gender
genetic predisposition · born this way · inborn trait · conscious decision
sexual preferencecultural identity
Belonging through shared traditions
gender identity · racial identity · religious affiliation · national identity · professional identity
prefer, sexual, preference, sexuality, homosexual, asexual, sexually, homosexuality, heterosexual