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!

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