Overview
Sexual orientation refers to enduring patterns of emotional, romantic and/or sexual attraction to other people. It is a way of describing who a person is typically drawn to, and it is used across medicine, psychology, social science and everyday language. Orientation is related to but distinct from sexual behavior (what people do) and sexual identity (how people describe themselves). The concept is used to understand relationships, social groups and the needs of individuals in clinical and legal settings.
Common categories and terminology
People and communities use a variety of labels to describe orientation. Some widely used terms include heterosexuality (attraction mainly to people of a different gender), homosexuality (attraction mainly to people of the same gender), bisexuality (attraction to more than one gender), and asexuality (little or no sexual attraction). Other identities such as pansexuality indicate attraction not limited by gender categories, and some people prefer terms like queer, omnisexual or choose not to use labels at all.
Because many social categories assume a gender binary, alternative descriptors are also used. For example, androphilia and gynephilia describe attraction to masculinity/men or femininity/women respectively, and can be applied without reference to the subject’s own gender. Labels are individual and may change over time.
Spectrum, fluidity and measurement
Researchers often conceive of orientation as a spectrum rather than a small set of discrete categories. Many people experience some degree of fluidity in attractions across the life course, and measures used in research distinguish identity, attraction and behavior. Clinical and survey tools typically ask separately about who a person is attracted to, who they have had relationships with, and how they self-identify, because these aspects do not always match.
Causes and scientific understanding
The scientific community broadly agrees that sexual orientation is not a conscious choice. Current research indicates multiple influences, including genetic factors, prenatal hormonal environments and developmental processes. While no single explanation accounts for all variation, evidence points to biological contributions alongside complex interactions with developmental and environmental factors. Many summaries of research and major health organizations reflect this consensus and caution against simplistic claims of choice.
Scholars and researchers study genetic, neurobiological and endocrine influences as well as population-level patterns. Orientation shows familial patterns that suggest heritable components, and some studies identify developmental markers consistent with biological effects. Differences in the strength of evidence across sexes and populations have led scientists to emphasize multifactorial models rather than a single cause.
History, culture and law
Conceptions of attraction and the social meaning of relationships have varied widely across cultures and historical periods. Many modern identity categories are historically recent, and anthropologists document diverse systems of pairing and desire. Debates over recognition, rights and social acceptance have made sexual orientation central to legal and policy discussions in many countries.
Issues of public policy and individual rights are addressed through legislation and court decisions in areas such as family law, anti-discrimination protections and access to services. Topics that intersect with orientation include marriage and partnership recognition, employment and housing nondiscrimination, and protections for minors. These matters are studied in fields such as biology, psychology, and anthropology, and discussed in histories of social movements and in contemporary debates about equality and policy change referenced in history and law.
Health, well-being and social experience
Sexual orientation can shape experiences of stigma, community belonging and health care needs. Minority stress arising from social prejudice is linked to disparities in mental and physical health for some groups, and culturally competent services can improve outcomes. Health professionals are advised to consider orientation in preventive care, sexual health counseling and mental health services while respecting individuals’ identities and confidentiality.
Distinctions and continuing change
Key distinctions include orientation versus behavior and orientation versus identity. The term "sexual preference" is sometimes used but can imply choice; major professional organizations favor the language of orientation. Terminology and community practices continue to evolve, with new and reclaimed words arising as people describe diverse experiences. Ongoing research and social dialogue aim to improve understanding, reduce discrimination and support the rights and well-being of all people regardless of whom they are attracted to.
For readers seeking further information, introductory reviews in clinical and social science sources and community resources can offer more detail on particular identities, the science of development, and the social and legal contexts in different countries.