Heterosexual
Hear this word Heterosexual
Also known as: Straight
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What Is It?
Heterosexual is a sexual orientation. This is a label a person might use for themselves if they are attracted to people of a different gender or a different sex assigned at birth.
For example, a woman who is attracted to men or a man who is attracted to women may identify as heterosexual.
An Example
Sadie is a woman who is attracted to men. Sadie describes herself as heterosexual. Tawny is a man who is attracted to women. Tawny describes himself as heterosexual.
What to Know
Every glossary word connects to different parts of the Sexuality Wheel. Explore the information below to learn more.
- We get to decide which word or words best describe our sexual orientation.
- Other people cannot determine and should not make assumptions about our sexual orientation. No one can determine the sexual orientation of another person. Only we can determine our sexual orientation for ourselves
- Some people experience their sexual orientation as fluid throughout their lives. Some people have the same sexual orientation throughout their lives.
- A heterosexual person can be heterosexual no matter what types of clothing they wear. A heterosexual woman can wear baggy sweatpants, a dress, or a skirt and can be a heterosexual woman. A heterosexual man can wear pants, heels, or a skirt and can still be heterosexual if he is attracted to women.
Think about
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What did you learn about sexual orientation?
To learn more about sexual orientation, explore websites, books, and other resources in the Resource Hub or visit other parts of Your Sexual Health Toolkit like our online game, Our Stories, Our Journeys: A Sexual Health Game!
What question do you have about sexual orientation?
Write down or record an audio note with any questions you have to ask someone you trust. You may also find answers to your questions by using websites, books, and other resources in the Resource Hub.