In a survey that asks about sexual orientation, the options "bisexual" and "heterosexual (straight)" reflect different patterns of romantic or sexual attraction:
Heterosexual (Straight):
- Definition: A person who is exclusively attracted to people of the opposite gender.
- Example: A woman who is only attracted to men, or a man who is only attracted to women.
- Example: A woman who is only attracted to men, or a man who is only attracted to women.
- This is often the default assumption in many societies, but it's important for surveys to include it explicitly for clarity and inclusivity.
Bisexual:
- Definition: A person who is attracted to more than one gender, often both men and women.
- Some bisexual people may have a stronger attraction to one gender, but still experience attraction to others.
- Others may experience equal attraction to multiple genders.
- Some bisexual people may have a stronger attraction to one gender, but still experience attraction to others.
Summary in Survey Terms:
| Term | Attraction Toward |
|---|---|
| Heterosexual (Straight) | Only the opposite gender |
| Bisexual | More than one gender (e.g., both men and women) |
Heterosexual (Straight):
- You are only attracted to people of the opposite gender.
- Example: A man attracted only to women, or a woman attracted only to men.
- Example: A man attracted only to women, or a woman attracted only to men.
Bisexual:
- You are attracted to both men and women (or to more than one gender).
- Example: A woman who feels attraction to both women and men.
- Example: A woman who feels attraction to both women and men.
In a survey:
If you are only attracted to the opposite sex, select "Heterosexual (Straight)".If you are attracted to both same and opposite sexes, select "Bisexual."
brief explanation of each, written clearly for survey selection purposes:
Pansexual
- You are attracted to people regardless of their gender.
- This can include men, women, nonbinary, transgender, etc.
- It's sometimes described as being attracted to a person's personality or energy, not their gender identity.
- This can include men, women, nonbinary, transgender, etc.
Queer
- A broad, umbrella term for people who don't identify as exclusively heterosexual or cisgender.
- It can include those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, nonbinary, etc.
- Some use "queer" because other labels don’t fully fit, or they prefer a more fluid identity.
- It can include those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, nonbinary, etc.
Asexual
- You experience little or no sexual attraction to others.
- Some asexual people still experience romantic attraction (e.g., romantic but not sexual relationships).
- Asexuality is a spectrum: some are sex-repulsed, others are open to sex under certain conditions.
- Some asexual people still experience romantic attraction (e.g., romantic but not sexual relationships).
asexual and platonic are not the same thing, though they can overlap. Here's the difference:
Asexual
- Refers to a sexual orientation:
- A person who experiences little or no sexual attraction to others.
- They may or may not want romantic relationships.
- Example: An asexual person might deeply love someone and want a relationship, but not feel the desire for sex.
- A person who experiences little or no sexual attraction to others.
Platonic
- Refers to a type of relationship, not a sexual orientation:
- A non-sexual, non-romantic connection — often deep friendship.
- Example: You might have a platonic best friend you love and trust, but you're not romantically or sexually involved.
- A non-sexual, non-romantic connection — often deep friendship.
Summary:
| Term | What it Describes | Involves Sex? | Involves Romance? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asexual | Sexual orientation | No/very little | Maybe (depends on the person) |
| Platonic | Type of relationship | No | No |
So, asexual is about how you feel (or don’t feel) sexual attraction, while platonic is about what kind of bond you have with someone.
Let me know if you’re curious about romantic orientations like aromantic or demisexual too!
