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The sexual orientation spectrum was first developed by Alfred Kinsey in 1948 to classify the sexual experiences or responses of study participants, using a numerical scale that indicates how exclusive or dynamic their sexual orientation is. The number zero, represents true heterosexuality, and the number 6 represents true homosexuals.
Through this method, Kinsey found that, for most of the participants, sexual behavior, thoughts, and feelings towards the same gender or other gender were not consistent all the time. Although the majority of men and women reported exclusive sexual attraction to the opposite sex, aka heterosexuals, only a small proportion of the participants in the study showed same-gender attraction. Interestingly, the remaining percentage of Kingsley's results found that many individuals indicated that their sexual orientation was between the two ends of the spectrum.
The Kinsey scale later inspired Fritz Klein to further develop this theory. Unlike the Kinsey scale, Klein investigated the sexual orientation of study participants using the grid to classify past sexual experiences, present, and future idealizations.
When compared by other researchers, the two measurements above show similar results. However, Klein's grid is more open to participants' dynamic (aka inconsistent) sexual orientation.
Below we have compiled a list of terms related to the LGBTQ + community, in particular around sexual orientation. The following terms and definitions have evolved and changed over time, allowing different meanings for different people. We provide this list as a starting point for discussion and understanding.
Monosexual orientation
Some people are exclusively attracted to only one gender. Sexual orientation labels commonly used by monosexuals include:
- Heterosexual: term used to describe people who are attracted to the opposite gender of themselves.
- Gay: is an umbrella term to describe romantic and sexual attraction to the same gender, whether male or female, although the term "gay" is more popularly used as a reference to men who like each other.
- Lesbian: term to describe romantic and sexual attraction between women.
Polysexual orientation
Some people show an attraction to several genders. Sexual orientation labels commonly used by polysexual people include:
- Bisexual: are people who have an attraction to other people of the same gender and other genders.
- Pansexual: are people who are attracted to other people, regardless of their gender.
- Queer: similar to pansexual, queer can be an identity that identifies with multiple gender interests. This can include, but is not limited to, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and asexual people. This term means different things to different people, but can also be used as an umbrella term like LGBT people, such as “community queer “.
Asexual orientation
Asexual is a group of people who generally do not experience sexual attraction and / or desire for other people, regardless of their gender. Generally characterized by an absence of desire to partner sexually, however, still being able to feel romantic feelings towards other people. Asexuality is not the same as being celibate (celibacy), which is a voluntary and deliberate choice not to engage in sexual activity.
