Sexual Orientation
What is sexual orientation?
Sexual orientation refers to an enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attractions to men, women, or both sexes. Sexual orientation also refers to a person's sense of identity based on those attractions, related behaviors, and membership in a community of others who share those attractions. Research over several decades has demonstrated that sexual orientation ranges along a continuum, from exclusive attraction to the other sex to exclusive attraction to the same sex. However, sexual orientation is usually discussed in terms of three categories: heterosexual (having emotional, romantic, or sexual attractions to members of the other sex), gay/lesbian (having emotional, romantic, or sexual attractions to members of one's own sex), and bisexual (having emotional, romantic, or sexual attractions to both men and women). This range of behaviors and attractions has been described in various cultures and nations throughout the world. Many cultures use identity labels to describe people who express these attractions. In the United States the most frequent labels are lesbians (women attracted to women), gay men (men attracted to men), and bisexual people (men or women attracted to both sexes). However, some people may use different labels or none at all.
Sexual orientation is distinct from other components of sex and gender, including biological sex (the anatomical, physiological, and genetic characteristics associated with being male or female), gender identity (the psychological sense of being male or female),* and social gender role (the cultural norms that define feminine and masculine behavior).
Sexual orientation is commonly discussed as if it were solely a characteristic of an individual, like biological sex, gender identity, or age. This perspective is incomplete because sexual orientation is defined in terms of relationships with others. People express their sexual orientation through behaviors with others, including such simple actions as holding hands or kissing. Thus, sexual orientation is closely tied to the intimate personal relationships that meet deeply felt needs for love, attachment, and intimacy. In addition to sexual behaviors, these bonds include nonsexual physical affection between partners, shared goals and values, mutual support, and ongoing commitment. Therefore, sexual orientation is not merely a personal characteristic within an individual. Rather, one's sexual orientation defines the group of people in which one is likely to find the satisfying and fulfilling romantic relationships that are an essential component of personal identity for many people.
Information from the American Psychological Associationhttp://www.apa.org/
*The WRC recognizes that there are more than two genders and sexes.
**Definitions of sexual orientation vary and are constantly evolving.
Resources: University of New Mexico
Women's Resource Center has postings of local events, a library, and is a safe space to just hang out. Check the WRC Calendar of Events for specific programs. Phone (505) 277-3716
UNM Queer Straight Alliance.
Meets every Wednesday at 8pm in Santa Anna B room(3rd floor) in the SUB.
University of New Mexico Feminist Research Institute Dedicated to the production of scholarship on women, gender and sexuality and to the creation of intellectual community among feminist scholars at UNM. UNM has a large number of feminist faculty and graduate students, and the Institute offers an opportunity to meet and work with others both within and across disciplines.www.unm.edu/~femresin/index.htm
Resources: Albuquerque, New Mexico
UNM Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning (LGBTQ) Resource Center-Mission: To provide service to UNM students, faculty and staff of all gender identities and sexual orientations through support, advocacy, education and safety. http://lgbtqrc.unm.edu
Albuquerque Pride http://abqpride.com/
Equality New Mexico is a membership organization that uses the political process to guarantee full equality and justice for LGBT and allied communities in NM. http://www.eqnm.org/
Fire All Womyn Dance Party. Produced by Alma Rosa http://firewomyn.com/
PFLAG Albuquerque (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons, their families and friends through: support, to cope with an adverse society; education, to enlighten an ill-informed public; and advocacy, to end discrimination, and to secure equal civil rights. PFLAG provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society, that is healthy and respectful of human diversity." Helpline (505) 873-7373 www.pflagabq.org
Safe Zone Project has been in operation in Albuquerque public middle and high schools since the fall of 2001. At least one volunteer on each campus (a full-time counselor, social worker, or teacher) is available to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth to help address harassment against these students and to ensure their physical and emotional well being. (505) 889-2515 (leave message).
Metropolitan Community Church of Albuquerque (MCC) - (505) 268-5252.www.mccabq.org/
Resources: National
GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) strives to assure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.www.glsen.org/templates/index.html
HRC (Human Rights Campaign) national political issues affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans www.hrc.org/
NGLTF(National Gay and Lesbian Task Force) is the national progressive organization working for the civil rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people. www.ngltf.org/
SIECUS (Sexuality Information and Education Council of the U.S.)develops, collects, and disseminates information, promotes comprehensive education about sexuality, and advocates the right of individuals to make responsible sexual choices. www.siecus.org/
Links are for information only. The WRC does not constitute
endorsement or accuracy of the information.
Updated May 17, 2011
