# Sexual fluidity

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Changes in sexuality or sexual identity

Part of a series on Bisexuality topics Sexual identities Bi-curious Heteroflexible / Homoflexible Pansexual / Omnisexual Polysexual Plurisexual / Multisexual Queer Sapphism Sexual fluidity Studies Bisexual theory Journal of Bisexuality Kinsey scale Klein grid Attitudes, slang and discrimination 2020s anti-LGBTQ movement in the United States Bambi effect Biphobia Bisexual chic Erasure Heteronormativity Lesbian until graduation Victimization of bisexual women Community and literature BECAUSE Bi Community News Bi Women Quarterly BiCon (UK) BiNet USA Bisexual Book Awards Bisexual literature Bisexual Resource Center Celebrate Bisexuality Day Lists Bisexual people LGBTQ-related films Media portrayals of bisexuality Organisations and conferences See also Bisexual flag Bisexuality in the United States Bisexual lighting Bisexual politics History of bisexuality LGBTQ portal v t e

"Bi cycle" redirects here. For the vehicle, see [Bicycle](/source/Bicycle). For other uses, see [Bicycle (disambiguation)](/source/Bicycle_(disambiguation)).

**Sexual fluidity** is one or more changes in [sexuality](/source/Sexuality) or [sexual identity](/source/Sexual_identity) (sometimes known as sexual orientation identity). [Sexual orientation](/source/Sexual_orientation) is stable for the vast majority of people, but some research indicates that some people may experience change in their sexual orientation, and this is more likely for women than men.[1] There is no scientific evidence that sexual orientation can be changed through [psychotherapy](/source/Psychotherapy).[2][3] Sexual identity can change throughout an individual's life, and does not have to align with [biological sex](/source/Biological_sex), [sexual behavior](/source/Sexual_behavior), or actual sexual orientation.[4]: 52

According to scientific consensus, sexual orientation is not a choice.[5][6] Although no single theory on the cause of sexual orientation has yet gained widespread support, scientists favor [biological theories](/source/Biology_and_sexual_orientation), especially for explaining male sexual orientation.[4][5] Research over several decades has demonstrated that sexual orientation can be at any point along [a continuum](/source/Heterosexual-homosexual_continuum), from exclusive attraction to the opposite sex to exclusive attraction to the same sex.[7]

Use of the term *sexual fluidity* has been attributed to psychologist [Lisa M. Diamond](/source/Lisa_M._Diamond),[8][9] who observed that many women's attractions towards women and men changed over time, although changes were modest (1 [kinsey scale](/source/Kinsey_scale) point, on average).[4] The results of a large-scale, longitudinal study by Savin-Williams, Joyner, and Rieger (2012) indicated that stability of sexual orientation identity over a six-year period was more common than change, and that stability was greatest among men and those identifying as heterosexual.[10] While stability is more common than change, change in sexual orientation identity does occur and the vast majority of research indicates that [female sexuality](/source/Female_sexuality) is more fluid than [male sexuality](/source/Male_sexuality). This could be attributed to females' higher [erotic plasticity](/source/Erotic_plasticity) or to sociocultural factors that socialize women to be more open to change.[11] Due to the [gender differences](/source/Gender_differences) in the stability of sexual orientation identity, male and female sexuality may not function via the same mechanisms. Researchers continue to analyze sexual fluidity to better determine its relationship to sexual orientation subgroups (i.e., [bisexual](/source/Bisexual), [lesbian](/source/Lesbian), [gay](/source/Gay), etc.).

## Background

Often, sexual orientation and [sexual identity](/source/Sexual_identity) are not distinguished, which can impact accurately assessing sexual identity and whether or not sexual orientation is able to change; sexual orientation identity can change throughout an individual's life, and may or may not align with biological sex, sexual behavior or actual sexual orientation.[12][13][14] While the [Centre for Addiction and Mental Health](/source/Centre_for_Addiction_and_Mental_Health) and [American Psychiatric Association](/source/American_Psychiatric_Association) state that sexual orientation is innate, continuous or fixed throughout their lives for some people, but is fluid or changes over time for others,[15][16] the [American Psychological Association](/source/American_Psychological_Association) distinguishes between sexual orientation (an innate attraction) and sexual orientation identity (which may change at any point in a person's life).[17] Scientists and mental health professionals generally do not believe that sexual orientation is a choice.[5][18]

The American Psychological Association states that "sexual orientation is not a choice that can be changed at will, and that sexual orientation is most likely the result of a complex interaction of environmental, cognitive and biological factors...is shaped at an early age...[and evidence suggests] biological, including genetic or inborn hormonal factors, play a significant role in a person's sexuality."[6] They say that "sexual orientation identity—not sexual orientation—appears to change via psychotherapy, support groups, and life events."[17] The American Psychiatric Association says individuals may "become aware at different points in their lives that they are heterosexual, gay, lesbian, or bisexual" and "opposes any psychiatric treatment, such as 'reparative' or ['conversion' therapy](/source/Conversion_therapy), which is based upon the assumption that homosexuality *[per se](/source/Per_se_(terminology))* is a mental disorder, or based upon a prior assumption that the patient should change his/her homosexual orientation". They do, however, encourage [gay affirmative psychotherapy](/source/Gay_affirmative_psychotherapy).[16]

In the first decade of the 2000s, psychologist [Lisa M. Diamond](/source/Lisa_M._Diamond) studied 80 non-heterosexual women over several years. She found that in this group, changes in sexual identity were common, although they were typically between adjacent identity categories (such as 'lesbian' and 'bisexual'). Some change in self-reported sexual feeling occurred among many of the women, but it was small, only averaging about 1 point on the [Kinsey scale](/source/Kinsey_scale) on average. The range of these women's potential attractions was limited by their sexual orientations, but sexual fluidity permitted movement within that range.[4]: 56

In her book *Sexual Fluidity*, which was awarded with the 2009 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues Distinguished Book Award by Division 44 of the American Psychological Association, Diamond speaks of [female sexuality](/source/Female_sexuality) and trying to go beyond the language of "phases" and "denial", arguing that traditional labels for [sexual desire](/source/Sexual_desire) are inadequate. For some of 100 non-heterosexual women she followed in her study over a period of 10 years, the word *[bisexual](/source/Bisexual)* did not truly express the versatile nature of their sexuality. Diamond calls "for an expanded understanding of same-sex sexuality."[19]

Diamond, when reviewing research on lesbian and bisexual women's sexual identities, stated that studies find "change and fluidity in same-sex sexuality that contradict conventional models of sexual orientation as a fixed and uniformly early-developing trait."[20] She suggested that sexual orientation is a phenomenon more connected with female [non-heterosexual](/source/Non-heterosexual) sexuality, stating, "whereas sexual orientation in men appears to operate as a stable erotic 'compass' reliably channeling sexual arousal and motivation toward one gender or the other, sexual orientation in women does not appear to function in this fashion... As a result of these phenomena, women's same-sex sexuality expresses itself differently from men's same-sex sexuality at every stage of the life course."[21]

## Biology and stability

Conversion therapy (attempts to change sexual orientation) is rarely successful. In Maccio's (2011) review of sexual reorientation therapy attempts, she lists two studies that claim to have successfully converted [gay men](/source/Gay_men) and lesbians to heterosexuals and four that demonstrate the contrary. She sought to settle the debate using a sample that was not recruited from religious organizations. The study consisted of 37 former conversion therapy participants (62.2% were male) from various cultural and religious backgrounds who currently or previously identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. The results indicated that there were no statistically significant shifts in sexual orientation from pre- to post-treatment. In follow-up sessions, the few changes in sexual orientation that did occur following therapy did not last. This study stands as support for the biological origin of sexual orientation, but the largely male sample population confounds the findings.[22]

Further support for the biological origin of sexual orientation is that [gender atypical behavior](/source/Gender_atypical_behavior) in childhood (e.g., a young boy playing with dolls) appears to predict homosexuality in adulthood (see [childhood gender nonconformity](/source/Childhood_gender_nonconformity)). A longitudinal study by Drummond et al. (2008) looked at young girls with [gender dysphoria](/source/Gender_dysphoria) (a significant example of gender atypical behavior) and found that the majority of these girls grew up to identify as bisexual or lesbian.[23] Many retrospective studies looking at childhood behavior are criticized for potential memory errors;[24] so a study by Rieger, Linsenmeier, Gygax, & Bailey (2008) used home videos to investigate the relationship between childhood behaviors and adult sexual orientation. The results of this study support biological causation, but an understanding of how cultural assumptions about sexuality can affect sexual identity formation is also considered.[25]

There is strong evidence for a relationship between [fraternal birth order and male sexual orientation](/source/Fraternal_birth_order_and_male_sexual_orientation), and there has been biological research done to investigate potential biological determinants of sexual orientation in men and women. One theory is the second to fourth finger ratio (2D:4D) theory. Some studies have discovered that heterosexual women had higher 2D:4D ratios than did lesbian women but the difference was not found between heterosexual and gay men.[26] Similarly, a study has shown that homosexual men have a sexually dimorphic nucleus in the anterior hypothalamus that is the size of females'.[27] Twin and family studies have also found a genetic influence.[4]

## Changes in sexuality

### Demographics

Further information: [Demographics of sexual orientation](/source/Demographics_of_sexual_orientation), [Bisexuality § Demographics and prevalence](/source/Bisexuality#Demographics_and_prevalence), and [LGBTQ community § Demographics](/source/LGBTQ_community#Demographics)

One study by Steven E. Mock and Richard P. Eibach from 2011 shows 2% of 2,560 adult participants included in *National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States* reported change of sexual orientation identities after a 10-year period: 0.78% of male and 1.36% of female persons that identified themselves to be [heterosexuals](/source/Heterosexuality) at the beginning of the 10-year period, as well as 63.6% of lesbians, 64.7% of bisexual females, 9.52% of gay males, and 47% of bisexual males. According to the study, "this pattern was consistent with the hypothesis that heterosexuality is a more stable sexual orientation identity, perhaps because of its [normative status](/source/Heteronormativity). However, male homosexual identity, although less stable than heterosexual identity, was relatively stable compared to the other sexual minority identities". Having only adults included in the examined group, they did not find the differences in fluidity which were affected by age of the participants. However, they stated that "research on attitude stability and change suggests most change occurs in adolescence and young adulthood (Alwin & Krosnick, 1991; Krosnick & Alwin, 1989), which could explain the diminished impact of age after that point".[28]

#### Males versus females

Research generally indicates that while the vast majority of men and women are stable and unchanging in their orientation and identity; when it comes to those who are fluid, female sexuality is more fluid than male sexuality.[4] In a seminal review of the sexual orientation literature, stimulated by the findings that the 1970s [sexual revolution](/source/Sexual_revolution) affected female sexuality more so than male sexuality, research by Baumeister et al. indicated that when compared to males, females have lower concordance between sexual attitudes and behaviors, and sociocultural factors affect female sexuality to a greater degree; it also found that personal change in sexuality is more common for females compared to males.[11] Female sexuality (lesbian and heterosexual) changes significantly more than males on both dimensional and categorical measures of sexual orientation.[29] Furthermore, the majority of homosexual women who previously identified as a different sexual orientation identified as heterosexual; whereas for males, the majority previously identified as bisexual, which the authors believe support the idea of greater fluidity in female sexuality.[29] Females also report having identified with more than one sexual orientation, more often than males and are found to have higher levels of sexual orientation mobility. Females also report being bisexual or unsure of their sexuality more often than males, who more commonly report being exclusively gay or heterosexual.[30] Over a six-year period, women have also been found to display more shifts in sexual orientation identity and were more likely to define their sexual orientation with non-exclusive terms.[10]

The social constructivist view suggests that sexual desire is a product of cultural and psychosocial processes[31] and that men and women are socialized differently. This difference in socialization can explain differences in sexual desire and stability of sexual orientation. Male sexuality is centered around physical factors, whereas female sexuality is centered around sociocultural factors,[11] making female sexuality inherently more open to change. The greater effect on female sexuality in 1970s sexual revolution shows that female shifts in sexual orientation identity may be due to greater exposure to moderating factors (such as the media).[10] In western culture, women are also expected to be more emotionally expressive and intimate towards both males and females. This socialization is a plausible cause of greater female sexual fluidity.[32]

An [evolutionary psychology](/source/Evolutionary_psychology) hypothesis proposes that bisexuality enables women to reduce conflict with other women, by promoting each other's mothering contributions, thus ensuring their reproductive success. According to this view, women are capable of forming romantic bonds with both sexes and sexual fluidity may be explained as a [reproductive strategy](/source/Reproductive_strategy) that ensures the survival of offspring.[33]

A longitudinal study concluded that stability of sexual orientation was more common than change.[10] Gender differences in the stability of sexual orientation may vary by subgroup and could possibly be related to individual differences more than gender-wide characteristics.[30]

#### Youth (age 14–21)

One study that did compare the stability of youth sexual orientation identity across genders found results opposite to most done with adult samples. The study compared [non-heterosexual](/source/Non-heterosexual) male and female sexual orientation over a year and concluded that female youth were more likely to report consistent sexual identities than males.[13] The study was conducted over a single year.

Youth appears to be when most change in sexual orientation identity occurs for females. A 10-year study compared sexual orientation as measured at four times during the study. The most change was found between the first (taken at 18 years of age) and second (taken at 20 years of age) measurements which was the only time bracket that fell during adolescence.[34]

A population-based study conducted over 6 years found that nonheterosexual (gay/lesbian/bisexual) male and female participants were more likely to change sexual orientation identity than heterosexual participants.[35] A yearlong study found that sexual identity was more stable for gay and lesbian youth participants when compared to bisexual participants.[13]

The identity integration process that individuals go through during adolescence appears to be associated with changes in sexual identity; adolescents who score higher on identity integration measures are more consistent in their sexual orientation. Bisexual youths seem to take longer to form their sexual identities than do consistently homosexual or heterosexual identifying youths[13] so bisexuality may be seen as a transitional phase during adolescence. Rosario et al. (2006) conclude that "acceptance, commitment, and integration of a gay/lesbian identity is an ongoing developmental process that, for many youths, may extend through adolescence and beyond."[13]

Sabra L. Katz-Wise and Janet S. Hide report in article published 2014 in "Archives of Sexual Behavior" of their study on 188 female and male young adults in the United States with a same-gender orientation, aged 18–26 years. In that cohort, sexual fluidity in attractions was reported by 63% of females and 50% of males, with 48% of those females and 34% of those males reporting fluidity in sexual orientation identity.[36]

### Bisexuality as a transitional phase

See also: [Bisexuality](/source/Bisexuality)

Bisexuality as a transitional phase on the way to identifying as exclusively lesbian or gay has also been studied. In a large-scale, longitudinal study, participants who identified as bisexual at one point in time were especially likely to change sexual orientation identity throughout the six-year study.[10] A second longitudinal study found conflicting results. If bisexuality is a transitional phase, as people grow older the number identifying as bisexual should decline. Over the 10-year span of this study (using a female-only sample), the overall number of individuals identifying as bisexual remained relatively constant (hovering between 50 and 60%), suggesting that bisexuality is a third orientation, distinct from homosexuality and heterosexuality and can be stable.[34] A third longitudinal study by Kinnish, Strassberg, and Turner (2005) supports this theory. While sex differences in sexual orientation stability were found for heterosexuals and gays/lesbians, no sex difference was found for bisexual men and women.[29]

## Society and culture

The exploration on sexual fluidity initiated by Lisa M. Diamond presented a cultural challenge to the [LGBT community](/source/LGBT_community); this is because although researchers usually emphasize that changes in sexual orientation are unlikely, despite [conversion therapy](/source/Conversion_therapy) attempts, sexual identity can change over time. That sexual orientation is not always stable challenges the views of many within the LGBT community, who believe that sexual orientation is fixed and immutable.[37]

There is some level of cultural debate regarding the question of how (and if) fluidity exists among men,[38] including questions regarding fluctuations in attractions and arousal in male bisexuals.[39]

Sexual fluidity may overlap with the label **abrosexual**, which has been used to refer to regular changes in one's sexuality.[40][41] **Bi-cycle** is a slang term used amongst bisexuals to refer to sexual fluidity between how much attraction they feel towards certain genders.[42]

## See also

- [Bambi effect (slang)](/source/Bambi_effect_(slang))

- [Bi-curious](/source/Bi-curious)

- [Biology and sexual orientation](/source/Biology_and_sexual_orientation)

- [Environment and sexual orientation](/source/Environment_and_sexual_orientation)

- [Pansexuality](/source/Pansexuality)

- [Questioning (sexuality and gender)](/source/Questioning_(sexuality_and_gender))

- [Situational sexual behavior](/source/Situational_sexual_behavior)

- [Unlabeled sexuality](/source/Unlabeled_sexuality)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Change_1-0)** * Bailey, J. Michael; Vasey, Paul; Diamond, Lisa; [Breedlove, S. Marc](/source/Marc_Breedlove); Vilain, Eric; Epprecht, Marc (2016). ["Sexual Orientation, Controversy, and Science"](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301639075). *Psychological Science in the Public Interest*. **17** (2): 45–101. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1177/1529100616637616](https://doi.org/10.1177%2F1529100616637616). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [27113562](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27113562). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20191228001236/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301639075) from the original on 2019-12-28. Retrieved 2019-06-28. Sexual fluidity is situation-dependent flexibility in a person's sexual responsiveness, which makes it possible for some individuals to experience desires for either men or women under certain circumstances regardless of their overall sexual orientation....We expect that in all cultures the vast majority of individuals are sexually predisposed exclusively to the other sex (i.e., heterosexual) and that only a minority of individuals are sexually predisposed (whether exclusively or non-exclusively) to the same sex. - Seth J. Schwartz; Koen Luyckx; Vivian L. Vignoles (2011). [*Handbook of Identity Theory and Research*](https://books.google.com/books?id=LkREWoAUrAUC&pg=PA652). [Springer Science & Business Media](/source/Springer_Science_%26_Business_Media). p. 652. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1441979889](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1441979889). Retrieved February 18, 2016. Modern scholarship examining the stability of sexual orientation also seems to support our conceptualizations of sexual orientation, sexual orientation identity, and sexual identity (e.g., Diamond, 2003a; Horowitz & Necomb, 2001; Rosario, Schrimshaw, Hunter, & Braun, 2006, see Savin-Williams, Chapter 28, this volume). Specifically, some dimensions of sexual identity, such as relationships, emotions, behaviors, values, group affiliation, and norms, appear to be relatively fluid; by contrast, sexual orientation [i.e., an individual's patterns of sexual, romantic, and affectional arousal and desire for other persons based on those persons' gender and sex characteristics (APA Task Force on Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual orientation, 2009)] has been suggested to be stable for a majority of people across the lifespan (Bell, Weinberg, & Hammersmith, 1981; Ellis & Ames, 1987; Haldeman, 1991; Money, 1987). - Dennis Coon; John O. Mitterer (2012). [*Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to Mind and Behavior with Concept Maps and Reviews*](https://books.google.com/books?id=EYwjCQAAQBAJ&pg=PA372). [Cengage Learning](/source/Cengage_Learning). p. 372. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1111833633](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1111833633). Retrieved February 18, 2016. Sexual orientation is a deep part of personal identity and is usually quite stable. Starting with their earliest erotic feelings, most people remember being attracted to either the opposite sex or the same sex. [...] The fact that sexual orientation is usually quite stable doesn't rule out the possibility that for some people sexual behavior may change during the course of a lifetime. - American Psychological Association (2012). ["Guidelines for Psychological Practice With Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Clients"](https://www.apa.org/practice/guidelines/glbt.pdf) (PDF). *[American Psychologist](/source/American_Psychologist)*. **67** (1): 10–42. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1037/a0024659](https://doi.org/10.1037%2Fa0024659). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [21875169](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21875169). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190616065759/https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/features/amp-a0024659.pdf) (PDF) from the original on June 16, 2019. Retrieved June 23, 2019. [S]ome research indicates that sexual orientation is fluid for some people; this may be especially true for women (e.g., Diamond, 2007; Golden, 1987; Peplau & Garnets, 2000). [...] Therapeutic efforts to change sexual orientation have increased and become more visible in recent years (Beckstead & Morrow, 2004). Therapeutic interventions intended to change, modify, or manage unwanted nonheterosexual orientations are referred to as "sexual orientation change efforts" (SOCE; APA, 2009b). [...] Reviews of the literature, spanning several decades, have consistently found that efforts to change sexual orientation were ineffective (APA, 2009b; Drescher, 2001; Haldeman, 1994; T. F. Murphy, 1992). - Eric Anderson; Mark McCormack (2016). ["Measuring and Surveying Bisexuality"](https://books.google.com/books?id=7_AgDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA47). *The Changing Dynamics of Bisexual Men's Lives*. [Springer Science & Business Media](/source/Springer_Science_%26_Business_Media). p. 47. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-3-319-29412-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-3-319-29412-4). Retrieved June 22, 2019. [R]esearch suggests that women's sexual orientation is slightly more likely to change than men's (Baumeister 2000; Kinnish et al. 2005). The notion that sexual orientation can change over time is known as *sexual fluidity*. Even if sexual fluidity exists for some women, it does not mean that the majority of women will change sexual orientations as they age – rather, sexuality is stable over time for the majority of people.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-APA2012_2-0)** American Psychological Association (2012). ["Guidelines for Psychological Practice With Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Clients"](https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/features/a0024659.pdf) (PDF). *[American Psychologist](/source/American_Psychologist)*. **67** (1): 10–42. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1037/a0024659](https://doi.org/10.1037%2Fa0024659). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [21875169](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21875169). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190616065759/https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/features/amp-a0024659.pdf) (PDF) from the original on June 16, 2019. Retrieved June 23, 2019. Therapeutic efforts to change sexual orientation have increased and become more visible in recent years (Beckstead & Morrow, 2004). Therapeutic interventions intended to change, modify, or manage unwanted nonheterosexual orientations are referred to as "sexual orientation change efforts" (SOCE; APA, 2009b). [...] Reviews of the literature, spanning several decades, have consistently found that efforts to change sexual orientation were ineffective (APA, 2009b; Drescher, 2001; Haldeman, 1994; T. F. Murphy, 1992).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-RCP_3-0)** ["Royal College of Psychiatrists' Position Statement on Sexual Orientation"](https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/pdf/PS02_2014.pdf) (PDF). [Royal College of Psychiatrists](/source/Royal_College_of_Psychiatrists). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190629210452/https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/pdf/PS02_2014.pdf) (PDF) from the original on June 29, 2019. Retrieved June 21, 2019. The College believes strongly in evidence-based treatment. There is no sound scientific evidence that sexual orientation can be changed. Systematic reviews carried out by both the APA and Serovich *et al* suggest that studies which have shown conversion therapies to be successful are seriously methodologically flawed.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Bailey_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Bailey_4-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Bailey_4-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Bailey_4-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Bailey_4-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Bailey_4-5) Bailey JM, Vasey PL, Diamond LM, Breedlove SM, Vilain E, Epprecht M (2016). ["Sexual Orientation, Controversy, and Science"](https://doi.org/10.1177%2F1529100616637616). *[Psychological Science in the Public Interest](/source/Psychological_Science_in_the_Public_Interest)*. **17** (21): 45–101. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1177/1529100616637616](https://doi.org/10.1177%2F1529100616637616). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [27113562](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27113562).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-pediatrics2004_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-pediatrics2004_5-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-pediatrics2004_5-2) Frankowski B.L.; American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Adolescence (June 2004). ["Sexual orientation and adolescents"](https://doi.org/10.1542%2Fpeds.113.6.1827). *[Pediatrics](/source/Pediatrics_(journal))*. **113** (6): 1827–32. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1542/peds.113.6.1827](https://doi.org/10.1542%2Fpeds.113.6.1827). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [15173519](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15173519). The mechanisms for the development of a particular sexual orientation remain unclear, but the current literature and most scholars in the field state that one's sexual orientation is not a choice; that is, individuals do not choose to be homosexual or heterosexual. A variety of theories about the influences on sexual orientation have been proposed. Sexual orientation probably is not determined by any one factor but by a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental influences.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Lamanna_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Lamanna_6-1) Mary Ann Lamanna; Agnes Riedmann; Susan D Stewart (2014). [*Marriages, Families, and Relationships: Making Choices in a Diverse Society*](https://books.google.com/books?id=fofaAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA82). [Cengage Learning](/source/Cengage_Learning). p. 82. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1305176898](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1305176898). Retrieved February 11, 2016. The reason some individuals develop a gay sexual identity has not been definitively established – nor do we yet understand the development of heterosexuality. The American Psychological Association (APA) takes the position that a variety of factors impact a person's sexuality. The most recent literature from the APA says that sexual orientation is not a choice that can be changed at will, and that sexual orientation is most likely the result of a complex interaction of environmental, cognitive and biological factors...is shaped at an early age...[and evidence suggests] biological, including genetic or inborn hormonal factors, play a significant role in a person's sexuality (American Psychological Association 2010).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-AmPsycholAssn-whatis_7-0)** ["Sexual orientation, homosexuality and bisexuality"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130808032050/http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/sexual-orientation.aspx). [American Psychological Association](/source/American_Psychological_Association). Archived from [the original](http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/sexual-orientation.aspx) on August 8, 2013. Retrieved August 10, 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Weiten_8-0)** Wayne Weiten; Dana S. Dunn; Elizabeth Yost Hammer (2016). [*Psychology Applied to Modern Life: Adjustment in the 21st Century*](https://books.google.com/books?id=wvO5DQAAQBAJ&pg=PA341). [Cengage Learning](/source/Cengage_Learning). p. 341. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1337517072](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1337517072). Retrieved April 4, 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Crooks_9-0)** Robert L. Crooks; Karla Baur (2016). [*Our Sexuality*](https://books.google.com/books?id=isIaCgAAQBAJ&pg=PT298). [Cengage Learning](/source/Cengage_Learning). p. 298. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1305887428](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1305887428). Retrieved April 4, 2017.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Savin-Williams,_R.C._2012_10-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Savin-Williams,_R.C._2012_10-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Savin-Williams,_R.C._2012_10-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Savin-Williams,_R.C._2012_10-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Savin-Williams,_R.C._2012_10-4) Savin-Williams, R.C.; Joyner, K.; Rieger, G. (2012). "Prevalence and stability of self-reported sexual orientation identity during young adulthood". *Archives of Sexual Behavior*. **41** (1): 1–8. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1007/s10508-012-9913-y](https://doi.org/10.1007%2Fs10508-012-9913-y). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [22302504](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22302504). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [43225099](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:43225099).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-ReferenceC_11-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-ReferenceC_11-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-ReferenceC_11-2) Baumeister, R.F. (2000). "Gender differences in erotic plasticity: the female sex drive as socially flexible and responsive". *Psychological Bulletin*. **126** (3): 347–374. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1037/0033-2909.126.3.347](https://doi.org/10.1037%2F0033-2909.126.3.347). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [10825779](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10825779). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [35777544](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:35777544).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Sinclair_12-0)** Sinclair, Karen, About Whoever: The Social Imprint on Identity and Orientation, NY, 2013 [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780981450513](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780981450513)

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-RSHB06_13-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-RSHB06_13-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-RSHB06_13-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-RSHB06_13-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-RSHB06_13-4) Rosario, M.; Schrimshaw, E.W.; Hunter, J.; Braun, L. (2006). ["Sexual identity development among lesbian, gay and bisexual youth: consistency and change over time"](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3215279). *The Journal of Sex Research*. **43** (1): 46–58. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1080/00224490609552298](https://doi.org/10.1080%2F00224490609552298). [PMC](/source/PMC_(identifier)) [3215279](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3215279). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [16817067](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16817067).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Concordance/discordance_in_SO_14-0)** Ross, Michael W.; Essien, E. James; Williams, Mark L.; Fernandez-Esquer, Maria Eugenia. (2003). ["Concordance Between Sexual Behavior and Sexual Identity in Street Outreach Samples of Four Racial/Ethnic Groups"](https://doi.org/10.1097%2F00007435-200302000-00003). *Sexually Transmitted Diseases*. **30** (2). American Sexually Transmitted Diseases Association: 110–113. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1097/00007435-200302000-00003](https://doi.org/10.1097%2F00007435-200302000-00003). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [12567166](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12567166). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [21881268](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:21881268).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Question A2: Sexual orientation"](https://web.archive.org/web/20141228033920/http://knowledgex.camh.net/amhspecialists/Screening_Assessment/assessment/ARQ2/Pages/arq2_question_a2.aspx). Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Archived from [the original](http://knowledgex.camh.net/amhspecialists/Screening_Assessment/assessment/ARQ2/Pages/arq2_question_a2.aspx) on 28 December 2014. Retrieved 3 February 2015.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-What_is_16-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-What_is_16-1) ["LGBT-Sexual Orientation: What is Sexual Orientation?"](http://www.psychiatry.org/lgbt-sexual-orientation) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140628094701/http://www.psychiatry.org/lgbt-sexual-orientation) 2014-06-28 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine), the official web pages of APA. Accessed April 9, 2015

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-apa2009_17-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-apa2009_17-1) ["Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation"](http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbc/publications/therapeutic-response.pdf) (PDF). [American Psychological Association](/source/American_Psychological_Association). 2009. pp. 63, 86. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130603121635/http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbc/publications/therapeutic-response.pdf) (PDF) from the original on June 3, 2013. Retrieved February 3, 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Kersey-Matusiak_18-0)** Gloria Kersey-Matusiak (2012). [*Delivering Culturally Competent Nursing Care*](https://books.google.com/books?id=X8O_wGedAYoC&pg=PA169). [Springer Publishing Company](/source/Springer_Publishing_Company). p. 169. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0826193810](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0826193810). Retrieved February 10, 2016. Most health and mental health organizations do not view sexual orientation as a 'choice.'

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** [*Sexual Fluidity - Understanding Women's Love and Desire*](http://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674032262&content=reviews) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20191013084446/https://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674032262) 2019-10-13 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine), Lisa M. Diamond 2009, [Harvard University Press](/source/Harvard_University_Press). Accessed April 6, 2015

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** Diamond, Lisa (2003). "Was it a phase? Young women's relinquishment of lesbian/bisexual identities over a five-year period". *Journal of Personality and Social Psychology*. **84** (2): 352–364. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1037/0022-3514.84.2.352](https://doi.org/10.1037%2F0022-3514.84.2.352). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [12585809](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12585809).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** Diamond, Lisa M. (2012). ["The Desire Disorder in Research on Sexual Orientation in Women: Contributions of Dynamical Systems Theory"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120518153549/http://www.psych.utah.edu/people/files/diamond54a1.pdf) (PDF). *Arch Sex Behav*. **41** (1): 73–83. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1007/s10508-012-9909-7](https://doi.org/10.1007%2Fs10508-012-9909-7). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [22278028](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22278028). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [543731](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:543731). Archived from [the original](https://www.psych.utah.edu/people/files/diamond54a1.pdf) (PDF) on 2012-05-18.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** Maccio, E.M. (2011). Self-reported sexual orientation and identity before and after sexual reorientation therapy. Journal of Gay and Lesbian Mental Health, 15. 242-259.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** Drummond, K.D.; Bradley, S.J.; Peterson-Badali, M.; Zucker, K.J. (2008). "A follow-up study of girls with gender identity disorder". *Developmental Psychology*. **44** (1): 34–45. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1037/0012-1649.44.1.34](https://doi.org/10.1037%2F0012-1649.44.1.34). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [18194003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18194003).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** Rieger, G.; Linsenmeier, J.A.W.; Gygax, L.; Bailey, J.M. (2008). "Sexual orientation and childhood gender nonconformity: evidence from home videos". *Developmental Psychology*. **44** (1): 46–58. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1037/0012-1649.44.1.46](https://doi.org/10.1037%2F0012-1649.44.1.46). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [18194004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18194004). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [41662483](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:41662483).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** Hegarty, P.; et al. (2009). ["Towards an LGBT-informed paradigm for children who break gender norms: comment on Drummond *et al.* (2008) and Rieger *et al.* (2008)"](http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/72257/5/2009%20Toward%20an%20LGBT%20affirmative%20infromed%20paradigm%20for%20children.pdf) (PDF). *Developmental Psychology*. **45** (4): 895–900. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1037/a0016163](https://doi.org/10.1037%2Fa0016163). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [19586166](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19586166).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** Grimbos, T.; Zucker, K.J.; Dawood, K.; Burriss, R.P.; Puts, D.A. (2010). "Sexual orientation and the second to fourth finger length ratio: a meta-analysis in men and women". *Behavioral Neuroscience*. **124** (2): 278–287. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1037/a0018764](https://doi.org/10.1037%2Fa0018764). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [20364887](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20364887). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [2777884](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:2777884).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** LeVay 1991 as cited in Miller, E.M. (2000). "Homosexuality, birth order, and evolution: toward an equilibrium reproductive economics of homosexuality". *Archives of Sexual Behavior*. **29** (1): 1–34. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1023/a:1001836320541](https://doi.org/10.1023%2Fa%3A1001836320541). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [10763427](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10763427). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [28241162](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:28241162).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** Mock, Steven E.; Eibach, Richard P. (2011). ["Stability and Change in Sexual Orientation Identity Over a 10-Year Period in Adulthood"](http://midus.wisc.edu/findings/pdfs/1153.pdf) (PDF). *Archives of Sexual Behavior*. **41** (3): 641–648. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1007/s10508-011-9761-1](https://doi.org/10.1007%2Fs10508-011-9761-1). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [21584828](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21584828). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [15771368](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:15771368). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200629181014/http://midus.wisc.edu/findings/pdfs/1153.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 2020-06-29. Retrieved 2015-04-17.

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1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-auto_30-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-auto_30-1) Ott, M.Q.; Corliss, H.L.; Wypij, D.; Rosario, M.; Austin, S.B. (2011). ["Stability and change in self-reported sexual orientation identity in young people: application of mobility metrics"](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3081371). *Archives of Sexual Behavior*. **40** (3): 519–532. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1007/s10508-010-9691-3](https://doi.org/10.1007%2Fs10508-010-9691-3). [PMC](/source/PMC_(identifier)) [3081371](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3081371). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [21125325](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21125325).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-31)** Tolman, D.L.; Diamond, L.M. (2001). "Desegregating sexuality research: cultural and biological perspectives on gender and desire". *Annual Review of Sex Research*. **12**: 33–74. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1080/10532528.2001.10559793](https://doi.org/10.1080%2F10532528.2001.10559793). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [12666736](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12666736).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-32)** Rust, P.C.R. (2000). "Bisexuality: a contemporary paradox for women". *Journal of Social Issues*. **56** (2): 205–221. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1111/0022-4537.00161](https://doi.org/10.1111%2F0022-4537.00161).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-33)** Kuhle, B.X.; Radtke, S. (2013). ["Born both ways: The alloparenting hypothesis for sexual fluidity in women"](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10426844). *Evolutionary Psychology*. **11** (2): 304–323. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1177/147470491301100202](https://doi.org/10.1177%2F147470491301100202). [PMC](/source/PMC_(identifier)) [10426844](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10426844). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [23563096](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23563096).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-ReferenceA_34-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-ReferenceA_34-1) Diamond, L.M. (2008). "Female bisexuality from adolescence to adulthood: results from a 10-year longitudinal study". *Developmental Psychology*. **44** (1): 5–14. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1037/0012-1649.44.1.5](https://doi.org/10.1037%2F0012-1649.44.1.5). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [18194000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18194000).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-35)** Savin-Williams, R.C.; Ream, G.L. (2007). "Prevalence and stability of sexual orientation components during adolescence and young adulthood". *Archives of Sexual Behavior*. **36** (3): 385–394. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1007/s10508-006-9088-5](https://doi.org/10.1007%2Fs10508-006-9088-5). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [17195103](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17195103). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [20819699](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:20819699).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-36)** Katz-Wise, Sabra; Hide, Janet S. (2014). "Sexual fluidity and related attitudes and beliefs among young adults with a same-gender orientation". *Archives of Sexual Behavior*. **44** (5): 1459–1470. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1007/s10508-014-0420-1](https://doi.org/10.1007%2Fs10508-014-0420-1). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [25378265](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25378265). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [21201365](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:21201365).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Exploring_37-0)** ["Exploring the Umbrella: Bisexuality and Fluidity"](http://www.advocate.com/health/love-and-sex/2014/02/11/exploring-umbrella-bisexuality-and-fluidity) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140715033012/http://www.advocate.com/health/love-and-sex/2014/02/11/exploring-umbrella-bisexuality-and-fluidity) 2014-07-15 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine), Trudy Ring for *The Advocate*, February 11, 2014

1. **[^](#cite_ref-38)** ["Why men's sex lives are more complicated than you think"](http://www.dailydot.com/opinion/mostly-straight-men-sexual-fluidity/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160628121231/http://www.dailydot.com/opinion/mostly-straight-men-sexual-fluidity/) 2016-06-28 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine), Nico Lang for "The Daily Dot", Jan 30, 2015

1. **[^](#cite_ref-39)** ["Case Closed: Bisexual Men Exist!"](http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2011/08/16/9534403-case-closed-bisexual-men-exist) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160818153512/http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2011/08/16/9534403-case-closed-bisexual-men-exist) 2016-08-18 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine), Dan Savage for *The Stranger*, Aug. 16, 2011

1. **[^](#cite_ref-40)** ["LGBTQ+ 101 - What does abrosexual mean?"](https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/life/what-does-abrosexual-mean/). *[Gay Times](/source/Gay_Times)*. 2021-06-21. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210910141339/https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/life/what-does-abrosexual-mean/) from the original on 2021-09-10. Retrieved 2021-09-22.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-41)** Francis, Shadeen (2020), Rowland, David L.; [Jannini, Emmanuele A.](/source/Emmanuele_A._Jannini) (eds.), ["Sexual Fluidity Behind Culture"](https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-36222-5_7), *Cultural Differences and the Practice of Sexual Medicine: A Guide for Sexual Health Practitioners*, Trends in Andrology and Sexual Medicine, Cham: Springer International Publishing, pp. 115–132, [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1007/978-3-030-36222-5_7](https://doi.org/10.1007%2F978-3-030-36222-5_7), [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-3-030-36222-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-3-030-36222-5), [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [213379215](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:213379215), [archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20221010131549/https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-36222-5_7) from the original on 2022-10-10, retrieved 2021-09-22{{[citation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Citation)}}: CS1 maint: work parameter with ISBN ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_work_parameter_with_ISBN))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-42)** Finch-Robson, Bailey (13 March 2021). ["Riding the Bi-cycle: The Uncertainty of Bisexuality"](https://www.oxfordstudent.com/2021/03/13/riding-the-bi-cycle-the-uncertainty-of-bisexuality/). *The Oxford Student*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250118084539/https://www.oxfordstudent.com/2021/03/13/riding-the-bi-cycle-the-uncertainty-of-bisexuality/) from the original on 18 January 2025. Retrieved 13 April 2025.

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v t e Gender and sexual identities Sex as a biological variable Sex–gender distinction Sexuality and gender identity–based cultures Gender identities Genders Man Woman Non-binary Agender Third gender Gender fluidity Androgyne Gender and sex Male Female Intersex Sex assignment Cisgender Transgender Trans man Trans woman Social aspects Anti-gender movement Gender binary Gender neutrality Gender nonconformity Gender roles Gender self-identification Postgenderism Social construction of gender Related terms Androgynos Apwint Bakla Binabinaaine Boi Bugis genders Bissu Calabai Calalai Chibados Cross-dresser Enaree Eunuch Galli Faʻafafine Faʻatama Fakafifine Femboy Femminiello Gender bender Güevedoce Hijra Kathoey Köçek Koekchuch Lhamana Māhū Masculine of center Mudoko dako Mukhannath Mustarjil Muxe Nádleehi Palopa Sipiniq Sworn virgin Travesti Transsexual Akava'ine Rae-rae Fakaleitī Mak nyah Tumtum Two-spirit Vakasalewalewa Winkte X-gender Sexual orientation identities Sexual orientations Asexual Gray Aegosexual Demisexual Monosexual Heterosexual Homosexual Plurisexual Bisexual Pansexual Polysexual Social aspects Analloeroticism Antisexuality Asociality Attraction to transgender people Heterosociality Homoaffectivity Homosociality Romantic orientation Aromanticism Sociosexuality Alternative labels Allosexual Androphilia and gynephilia Banjee Bi-curious Down-low Gay Gay men Heteroflexible Khanith Lesbian/Sapphic Non-heterosexual Queer Questioning Same gender loving Takatāpui See also Aphobia Acephobia Arophobia Discrimination against non-binary people Discrimination against transgender people Transmisandry Transmisogyny Ex-gay Ex-ex-gay LGBTQ Health Mental health Suicide Legal recognition of non-binary gender Legal status of transgender people Right to personal identity Split attraction model Transgender archaeology Transgender inequality

v t e LGBTQ people (topic outline) Academic fields Discourse LGBTQ topics in education Gender studies Lesbian feminism Linguistics Literature gay lesbian transgender Psychology Queer studies Queer theory Transfeminism Community Culture Anthems Awards literary Bars gay lesbian Bisexual community Businesses Coming out Community centers Cross-dressing drag king drag queen Events awareness periods Film festivals Gay village Gay-friendly Icons Literature Music Media bury your gays films new queer cinema periodicals portrayal Organizations People Pets Pride Pride Month pride parade Queerplatonic relationships Religious groups Rodeos Same-sex relationships Slang Slogans Sports Pride Night Takatāpui Theatre companies Tourism Symbols Black triangle Gaysper Labrys Lambda Pink triangle Rainbow plaque Pride flags Aromantic Asexual Bear Bisexual Gay flag of South Africa Gay men Intersex Leather Lesbian Non-binary Pansexual Rainbow Progress rainbow crossing Transgender Gender identities Sexual identities Sexual diversities Gender identity Agender Androgyny Boi Cisgender Gender bender Genderfluid Gender nonconformity Khanith Man Non-binary / genderqueer Theyby Transgender Akava'ine Trans man Transsexual Trans woman mak nyah Woman Womxn Womyn Xenogender Third sex / Third gender Bakla Balkan sworn virgins Bissu Faʻafafine Fakaleitī Femminiello Hijra Kathoey Köçek Māhū Mukhannath Muxe Travesti Two-spirit Winkte Sexual identities Sexual orientations Asexual Bisexual Homosexual Aromanticism Asexuality Gray asexuality Demisexuality Aegosexuality Attraction to transgender people Banjee Bi-curious Fictosexuality Gay Gay men Heteroflexible Lesbian Monosexual Non-heterosexual Pansexual Queer Questioning Romantic orientation Same gender loving Sexual minority Tom / Dee Related Acronyms LGBTQ Detransition Effeminacy Erotic target location error Ex-gay Ex-ex-gay Female Gender and sexual diversity Gender assignment Gender binary Gender essentialism Gender expression Gender neutrality Gender roles Gender transition Health organizations Hermaphrodite Human female sexuality Human male sexuality Intersex Androgynos Tumtum Legal status of transgender people Male Men who have sex with men / Sexual practices between men Sex–gender distinction Sexuality and gender identity-based cultures Social construction of gender Straight ally Tomboy Transgender health care misinformation Women who have sex with women / Sexual practices between women History LGBTQ history History of homosexuality History of gay men in the United States History of lesbianism Transgender history timeline Timeline of asexual history LGBTQ history timeline Migration Social movements students History of Christianity and homosexuality History of same-sex unions Pederasty Category:LGBTQ history Pre-modern era Adelphopoiesis Ancient Egypt Ancient Greece pre-Columbian Peru Ancient Rome Medieval Europe 16th to 19th century Molly house Section 377 First homosexual movement 20th century Dance of the Forty-One Institut für Sexualwissenschaft Persecution of homosexuals in Nazi Germany Transgender people in Nazi Germany Cadet scandal Florida Legislative Investigation Committee Sea queens Compton's Cafeteria riot Stonewall riots Gay Liberation Front Handkerchief code Festival of Light action White Night riots Front homosexuel d'action révolutionnaire Florida orange juice boycott Operation Soap Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS ACT UP Section 28 Tasty nightclub raid Bar Abanicos police raid 21st century Timeline of same-sex marriage Lawrence v. Texas Russian anti-LGBTQ law Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2014 Rainbow wave Rainbow Night 2020s anti-LGBTQ movement in the United States Trump-era persecution of transgender people Rights and legal issues LGBTQ rights by country or territory Africa Americas Asia Europe Oceania List of LGBTQ rights articles by region LGBTQ rights topics Capital punishment for homosexuality Censorship of LGBTQ issues Civil unions and partnerships Criminalization of homosexuality decriminalization Hate crime laws Intersex human rights Military service Same-sex parenting adoption Assisted reproduction Same-sex marriage timeline Socialism Legal status of transgender people Transgender rights movement V-coding United Nations/Yogyakarta Principles La Francophonie Commonwealth of Nations LGBTQ rights movements Homophile Gay liberation LGBTQ rights groups LGBTQ rights activists Rainbow capitalism Separatism gay lesbian Sexual orientation – Medicine, science and sexology Autism and LGBTQ people Biology Birth order Demographics Disability and LGBTQ people Environment Homosexuality and psychology Homosexuality in the DSM Kinsey scale Klein Grid Life expectancy Neuroscience Prenatal hormones Sexual inversion Conversion therapy Split attraction model Sexual orientation identity Timeline of sexual orientation and medicine Societal attitudes Prejudice Violence Societal attitudes Amatonormativity Heteronormativity Heteropatriarchy Homonationalism Pinkwashing Gay panic defense Opposition to LGBTQ rights anti-LGBTQ rhetoric LGBTQ stereotypes Suicide among LGBTQ people list Monuments and memorials Queerbaiting Homosexuality and religion Transgender people and religion Prejudice and discrimination Arophobia Acephobia Anti-gender movement AIDS stigma Biphobia Gayphobia Grooming conspiracy theory Heterosexism Homophobia liberal Discrimination against lesbians Discrimination against non-binary people Racism Riddle scale SPLC-designated list of anti-LGBTQ hate groups Transmisogyny Transphobia Violence against LGBTQ people Corrective rape Capital punishment for homosexuality Gay bashing Violence against LGBTQ people history in the UK in the US transgender people unlawful killings Persecution of homosexuals in Nazi Germany Stop Murder Music LGBTQ portal Category

v t e Sexual ethics Human sexuality Adolescent sexuality Rainbow party Adultery Education Fetishism Incest law Infidelity Miscegenation Obesity and sexuality Objectification Orientation Pornography gay law lesbian women's Pregnancy Abortion Prostitution law Reproductive rights Sex-positive feminism Sex-positive movement Sex workers' rights Survival sex Child sexuality Child marriage Child pornography law Child prostitution Child sex tourism Sexual abuse Child-on-child sexual abuse Child sexual abuse law Cybersex trafficking Harassment Rape law Sex trafficking Sexual slavery Age of consent (reform) Africa Asia Europe North America United States Mexico Oceania South America Topical outline

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Sexual fluidity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_fluidity) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_fluidity?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.