The Difference Between Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation

We're lucky to live in a time when changing attitudes gives more people the opportunity to live their authentic selves. However, that doesn't mean that ignorance on gender identity and sexual orientation doesn't exist.

This blog will discuss the differences between gender identity and sexual orientation and why they matter.

What is Gender Identity?

"Gender Identity" is a term that's been around for a long time. But it can be a significant source of confusion for those who don't have much exposure to dating non binary people or even being around transgender colleagues.

Your gender identity is your innermost sense of self concerning gender. It's how you feel and perceive yourself. For some people, the person they see looking back in the mirror at them matches up with their gender identity. The term used to describe that is "cis-gendered."

However, the gender identity for other people might not match what they were assigned at birth. You might feel female, male, or a blend of the two!

Non-binary people are those who identify with neither male nor female identities. Thus, they fall outside of the gender binary.

What is Sexual Orientation?

Sexual orientation is a little different. It's about the type of person you are emotionally, physically, or sexually attracted to. There are many sexual orientations.

The most recognizable are straight, gay, and bisexual. However, that's just scratching the surface. We won't get into the details of sexual orientation here, but the most important thing to know is that it revolves around how you feel attraction.

Understanding the Differences

Gender identity is how you perceive yourself. Meanwhile, sexual orientation is who you are attracted to.

The best way to put it is this:

Sexuality is who you fall in love with, while gender identity is who you fall in love as.

People are significantly more open about their gender identities and sexual orientations these days. Whether you're looking to start dating non binary people or you want to explore your sexuality, there's no better time than now!

Read a similar article about bicurious dating site here at this page.

Language Barriers in the Asian-American Community

Just like with other segments of the American population, Asian-Americans can be gay, lesbian, bi, trans, or any other type of sexual or gender identity. Unfortunately, many Asian-Americans find that they have a hard time talking with others in the Asian-American community about their experiences and feelings.

A big part of the problem is that traditional Asian languages don’t often lend themselves to conversations about LGBTQ issues. In some cases, words simply don’t exist for certain feelings or experiences. In other cases, existing words are offensive or derogatory in nature.

If you’re having a hard time breaking down communication barriers in the LGBTQ Asian dating sphere, below are some tips:

Work to Create and Embrace New Words

One way that members of the LGBTQ Asian dating community have tackled this issue is by creating new words using existing languages. For example, “transpinoy” has been embraced by the LGBTQ Filipino-American community as existing words are considered offensive.

By creating new words using existing Asian language, members of the LGBTQ Asian-American community have the chance to take control over how feelings and experiences are expressed.

Consider Avoiding Western Words

If you’re concerned about LGBTQ identity being connected to Western identity, you can also consider avoiding Western words when talking about LGBTQ issues. Once again, this may require some creativity, but the goal is to separate LGBTQ from Western identity as this can cause relatives and friends in the community to believe that you only feel the way that you do because of Western influence.

Not All Expression is Verbal

You’re also encouraged to keep in mind that not all expression needs to be verbal to get a point across. The LGBTQ community has used non-verbal forms of expression for hundreds of years if not longer to signal their identities.

While you’re discouraged from hiding your identity by using non-verbal forms of communication, these can be ways to overcome language barriers. This can be effective in the Asian-American LGBTQ community as well as in the global LGBTQ community as a whole.

Read a similar article about the best queer dating app here at this page.