What is sexual orientation?

• A. Attraction to the same gender, opposite gender, or both genders
• B. A person’s gender identity
• C. Religious beliefs about sexuality
• D. Legal status of relationships

Answer: (A)

Sexual orientation is about who a person is romantically and sexually attracted to. It describes attraction toward people of the same gender, opposite gender, or both genders. This definition focuses on attraction, not on one’s internal sense of gender (gender identity), religious beliefs about sexuality, or the legal status of relationships. The option that specifies attraction to the same gender, opposite gender, or both genders best captures what orientation means. In practice, understanding orientation helps healthcare providers offer respectful, nonjudgmental care and avoid assumptions about a patient’s relationships.