Questioning
Hear this word Questioning
Image description: Questioning one's identity or orientation
Skip Ahead:
What Is It?
Questioning is a word some people use to describe themselves as they explore who they are, discover which gender and orientation labels they identify with, or reflect on their thoughts and feelings about their gender identity or sexual orientation.
People can use the word questioning to describe themselves at any age.
The letter Q in LGBTQIA+ stands for questioning. (The Q also stands for the word queer.)
An Example
Cecilia and Hunter both use the word questioning to describe themselves. Cecilia is questioning her gender identity and is exploring which gender identity word fits her best. Hunter is questioning his sexual orientation. He is noticing patterns in the gender of the people he is attracted to, but he is not ready to put a label on his sexual orientation yet. For now, he usually shares that he is questioning or exploring his sexual orientation or who he is attracted to.
What to Know
Every glossary word connects to different parts of the Sexuality Wheel. Explore the information below to learn more.
- Questioning one’s sexual orientation or gender identity does not mean the same thing as being confused. It is common for people to explore which labels best fit who they are, especially in their teens and 20s. However, questioning one’s gender identity or sexual orientation can happen at different ages and stages of life.
- Some people experience their sexual orientation or gender identity as the same throughout their life, and other people may experience them as fluid or changing throughout their life.
Think about
Hover or tap the cards below to reveal suggestions or ideas!
What did you learn about the word questioning?
To learn more, 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 questions do you have?
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.