Homosexuality And Bisexuality

What Are Homosexuality & Bisexuality? 

Homosexuality and bisexuality are two types of sexual orientation. Most experts refer to four main types of sexual orientation:

• Heterosexuality: Attraction to the opposite sex or gender
• Homosexuality: Attraction to the same sex or gender
• Bisexuality: Attraction to more than one sex or gender
• Asexuality: Not experiencing sexual attraction

There are many other labels that people use to describe their sexual orientation, as well as umbrella terms such as queer. Individuals who aren’t heterosexual are part of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex (LGBTQI) community, often shortened to LGBT.

Despite the increasing respect for different orientations, many people struggle with their sexuality and gender. This can have negative impacts on mental health. A May 2022 mental health survey found that 50% of LGBT people experienced symptoms of anxiety compared to 24% of non-LGBT. ⁽¹⁾ The same survey reported that 41% of LGBT individuals had symptoms of depression, compared to 19% of non-LGBT. ⁽¹⁾ Almost half of LGBTQ youth seriously considered suicide in 2022, and studies have found that 39% of LGBT individuals have used illicit drugs compared to 17% of the non-LGBT population. ^(2,3)

Mental illness isn’t an innate part of being gay or bisexual. Instead, it’s sometimes caused by the continued stigma of being part of a sexual minority. Studies have found that LGBT people who live in a more accepting community have better mental health than those who live in less accepting areas. ⁽⁴⁾