Orientation
Our Definition
refers to a person’s pattern of experiencing attraction, usually sexual or romantic. Can specify the gender(s) one is attracted to, or the circumstances and degrees to which one experiences attraction.
Real Life Examples
Bobert prefers the split attraction model when discussing orientation, identifying as asexual and panromantic
Jill likes to keep it simple if someone asks her orientation, preferring to leave it as “I’m queer”
When Pierre talks about his orientation, he includes qualifiers describing the degree to which he experiences attraction rather than focusing only on who he is attracted to. The label “grey aro-ace” fits him best.
Common Practices
Everyone is different! You'll see this repeated throughout our website and glossary. Common practices pertaining to orientation include, but certainly aren't limited to:
- Using terms to self identify based on how they feel to you, on a personal level.
- Using more general/broad language when speaking about one’s orientation to strangers while preferring more specific and descriptive language in intimate company.
- Finding meaning in being able to accurately label your lived experiences.
- Rejecting some or in some cases all labels regarding orientation.
Got a beef with our definition?
Of course we don't speak for everyone! If you feel we are missing additional info, context, facts, history, or data, please email us and let us know!
While we can't promise every suggestion will make it, we'll always be working to keep this glossary thorough and inclusive!