What does sexual orientation refer to?

Sexual orientation specifically refers to an individual's enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to partners of the same or different genders. This concept captures the specific direction of a person's attractions, which is integral to understanding their identity and relationships.

The distinction between sexual orientation and other elements related to gender can be critical; for instance, gender identity encompasses an individual's personal sense of their own gender, while sexual orientation focuses on whom they are attracted to based on that gender. Similarly, social preferences may relate to various relational or social choices that are not strictly defined by one’s attractions. Sexual identity is often used interchangeably with sexual orientation but may not fully encompass the enduring aspect of attraction.

By defining sexual orientation in terms of enduring sexual attraction to partners, we capture the essence of this concept holistically and acknowledge the complexities involved in human relationships.