Module 3d. Transcript - Sexual Orientation

Vocabulary flashcards covering the components of sexual orientation, biological and social influences, and comparisons between same-sex and mixed-sex relationships.

Sexual Orientation

A relational concept with $5$ components referring to the way people pursue love, attachment, and meaningful connection with people of the same or different sex – or both.

Romantic attraction

Feelings of love and emotional desire, often distinguished from sexual components.

Sexual attraction

Feelings of lust and erotic desire; typically considered the component most central to sexual orientation.

Sexual arousal

Physiological response to another person.

Sexual behaviour

Sexual interactions a person engages in with others; may be influenced by opportunities for encounters.

Sexual identity

The way a person labels their sexual attraction and behaviour, often influenced by family or cultural context.

Sexual fluidity

Adapting one’s romantic and sexual desires to a specific person rather than a specific gender; common in women.

Asexuality

A lack of sexual desire and attraction, which is considered a distinct sexual orientation.

Identical twins

Twins who share $100\%$ of their genes; they exhibit higher concordance in sexual orientation than non-identical twins.

Non-identical twins

Twins who share $50\%$ of their genes and show lower concordance in sexual orientation than identical twins.

Prenatal testosterone

A hormone that, when found in higher levels in the womb, is linked to a higher likelihood of women identifying as lesbian.

Equality (power-sharing)

The tendency for same-sex partners to have more equal footing and less adherence to strict gender roles, resulting in lower intensity arguments.

Monogamy in gay men

A concept that gay men tend to place less importance on, often being more open to sexual partners outside of the relationship.