Exploring Types Of Sexuality In The 2SLGBTQIA+ Community

Types Of Sexualities Explained

Having a full comprehension of different sexuality types can be difficult to grasp. With many sexualities presented in our world, it can open up more questions and progressive dialogue. While sexual orientation refers to the gender you’re sexually attracted to, there can be inquiries about what you’re really into. If you can understand your own personal identity, you may find it easier to navigate your sexuality. However, many people can find the process confusing or challenging – this definition list hopes to clear everything up.

Want to make sure your conversations are more inclusive – particularly when meeting new pals? Explore Turning Common Words Into Gender Inclusive Language for a solid guide. 

2SLGBTQIA+

Let’s kick things off by breaking down the term 2SLGBTQIA+, then explain each letter in more detail. 2SLGBTQIA+ is a fairly modern acronym meant to represent Two-Spirit people in the ‘2S’, Lesbian in the ‘L’, Gay in the ‘G’, Bisexual in the ‘B’, Transgender in the ‘T’, Queer in the ‘Q’, Intersex in the ‘I’, and Asexual in the ‘A’. The ‘+’ sign is meant to stand in for those who identify with other sexual and gender areas that come with specific terms – some of which will be covered in this article. 

You might be wondering… why is the term representative of both sexual orientation and gender identity examples? This is in place to represent a broad spectrum of experiences related to how people define relationships, attractions, and sense of self. Many people see intersections between the letters and it’s created so to bring forth community unity and inclusivity. 

Since transgender (someone whose sex assigned at birth is different than their gender identity) and intersex (a person born with genitals, chromosomes, or reproductive organs that aren’t a match within traditional male and female gender binaries) are gender identities, not sexualities, those won’t be discussed in more detail here. 

Two-Spirited 

Deeply rooted in traditions and beliefs of various Indigenous nations, Two-Spirit people embody both masculine and feminine spirits. Unlike the way the West frameworks sexuality, 2S individuals reflect unique cultural and spirited identities – they hold roles like healers, mediators, teachers, and leaders. It transcends the Western binary in a way that fulfills many gender roles and sexual orientations. To reclaim traditional roles and identities sometimes surpassed by colonization, Two-Spirited sexuality is deep, complex, and sacred. 

Lesbian

Referring to women attracted to other women, lesbianism is a gender-specific attraction that can encompass romantic, sexual, and emotional attraction. Lesbian communities and movements have historically played key roles in 2SLGBTQIA+ rights movements and advocacy, such as the 1981 lesbian pride march in Vancouver. It’s a form of self-identification that brings girls loving girls together. 

Gay

Typically, gay refers to men who are sexually, romantically, or emotionally attracted to other men – but it can also fall under a broader spectrum regarding people of the same gender attracted to one another. In a traditional sense, gay was a synonym for joyous or merry, and you’ll hear it a lot in Christmas music. In a modern sense, this way of saying gay has been somewhat scrapped and is usually used when describing boys loving boys. 

Unfortunately, some people still use the term in a derogatory sense and as a slur towards others who are or that they believe are gay. Just don’t do this – it’s intended to make someone feel bad, not to celebrate them for who they are or may be. 

In order to be a decent ally, you have to walk the walk. Look into What Is Allyship? How To Be A Good LGBTQ+ Ally for additional pointers if you don’t already have it down pat. 

Bisexual

To signify someone attracted to more than one gender of person, they are usually bisexual. Though bi stands for ‘two’, bisexual individuals can enjoy attraction to non-binary people (someone whose gender identity doesn’t fit within the traditional binary of male and female) and can prefer one gender over the other. 

Queer

Queer is a type of sexual orientation that falls under an umbrella for diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions that don’t conform to traditional societal norms of heterosexuality. It’s intentionally broad and inclusive to allow individuals to define their own experiences of love, sex, and identity without a set label defined. Historically used as a slur, queerness has been reclaimed within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community as a term of both empowerment and resistance. 

Asexual 

Also known as Ace, people who define themselves as asexual either have limited interest in sexual attraction or experience no sexual desires, regardless of gender. Though they still may form romantic, emotional, or platonic connections, an asexual person isn’t often going to go out of their way to be sexual or have sex. 

+ More Sexualities 

The types of sexuality in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community aren’t limited to just the letters. Remember the ‘+’ sign? Let’s talk about a few other sexualities that are worth noting: 

• Pansexual (or Pan) – a person who may be attracted to all genders or is not sexually, romantically, or emotionally limited by someone’s gender identity 
• Demisexual (or Demi) – if an emotional bond has been created, a demi person may be attracted to just that, and may not prioritize a sexual relationship 
• Polysexual – derived from the term ‘Poly’, someone who is polysexual is gender-focused and may be attracted to multiple people of multiple genders 

Curious to explore different sexuality types? Read Fluid Sexuality: The Diversity Of Sexual Orientation for other interesting insights.  

Coming To Terms With Your Sexuality Type

If you’re still figuring things out, or just need an external resource to learn more, remember that your sexuality journey is always valid. Understanding the diverse spectrum of sexuality within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community celebrates individuality and fosters connection – connection everyone is deserving of. Embrace the ride, your story matters.