chapter9 - Chapter 9 Sexual Orientations A Continuum of...

Chapter 9
Sexual Orientations

A Continuum of Sexual Orientations
•
A specific orientation can include whether an
individual:
–
Engages in sexual behavior with men, women,
both, or neither
–
Feels sexual desire for men, women, both, or
neither
–
Falls in love with men, women, both, or neither
–
Identifies himself or herself with a specific sexual
orientation

A Continuum of Sexual Orientations
•
Primary erotic, psychological, emotional, and social
orientation
–
Homosexual
•
Orientation toward same sex
•
Gay men and lesbians
–
Bisexual
•
Orientation toward both same and other sex
–
Heterosexual
•
Orientation toward other sex
–
Asexual
•
No sexual attraction toward either sex

Age at First Same-Sex Attraction

Kinsey’s 7-point Continuum
•
0 = exclusive contact with and erotic attraction to the
other sex
•
6 = exclusive contact with and erotic attraction to the
same sex

Sexual Fluidity
•
Variability in attraction at various times and
situations
•
For women
–
Sexual fluidity is more common
•
For men
–
Sexual fluidity is much less common

Asexual
•
Most asexual men and women have been
asexual their whole lives