LGBTQ+ Pride *Updated on Jun 12, 2022*
Finding authentic, nuanced representations of Queer identities in TV is challenging. However, 2023 has already started off with a bang for Queer representation!
Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and pansexual are all terms that describe attraction to people of different genders. Asexual and aromantic are also separate categories that can sometimes overlap with sexual orientation.
Are you gay?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question, “Are you gay?” It depends on your personal experience, your family, and your social group. It also depends on your sexual and romantic experiences, which are not always clear-cut.
For example, if you’ve ever been attracted to a man more than you have to women, it may be an indication of your orientation. You might also consider yourself bisexual if you’re mostly attracted to women but occasionally feel romantic and/or sexual feelings toward men.
Scientists define homosexuality as an enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to persons of the same gender. It is a spectrum, not a dichotomy: Being 100% heterosexual or homosexual is rare, as evidenced by the Kinsey scale. Instead, many people are gay or lesbian or bisexual.
Are you straight?
During puberty, it is perfectly normal to be attracted to boys or girls. But if you find yourself playing lesbian TikTok videos and binging The L Word, it is likely that you are not straight.
If you are straight, it means that you only feel attracted to people of your own gender, both romantically and sexually. However, sexual orientation is more fluid than this quiz can adequately capture. If you are unsure of your sexual orientation, talk to a licensed professional who is LGBTQIA+ friendly. You can fill out this form at Pride Counseling to get matched with a therapist who suits you. They can help you uncover the parts of yourself that conform to society and bring out the ones that are true to you.
Are you bisexual?
If you find yourself having sexual or romantic fantasies about people of different genders, it could be a sign that you are bisexual. Being bisexual means that you are attracted to men, women, and non-binary people. It also means that you are open to relationships with people of all genders.
Another way to know if you are bisexual is if you are attracted to and relate more to the queer characters on your favorite TV shows, movies, and books. Even though this does not necessarily confirm that you are bisexual, it is a good indicator.
Are you pansexual?
People who are pansexual have the potential to be attracted to anyone, regardless of gender. This is different from being panromantic, which refers to being romantically attracted to people of all genders.
Whether you label yourself pansexual, bisexual, or anything else is up to you. It is also okay to change the labels that feel most comfortable for you over time.
However, it is important to know that this quiz can only give you a general idea of your sexual orientation. It may not be 100% accurate, but it can definitely help. You should always take any quiz with a grain of salt and be sure to answer honestly. If you do, you should be able to get an accurate result! Good luck!
Are you asexual?
People who don’t feel sexual attraction often prefer close friendships and other nonromantic relationships, like queer platonic partnerships (QPPs). If you have a strong desire for friendship with someone but don’t experience romantic or sexual attraction to them, you may be aromantic.
You may be a gray asexual or demi asexual, or you may not be a sexual person at all. There is no test that can definitively tell you what your orientation is; it’s a matter of personal experience and instinct.
You should never be forced to label yourself, and only you can know what is true for you. However, counseling can help you discover the parts of yourself that conform to society and bring out those that are uniquely yours. A licensed professional can help you explore your sexuality and figure out where you fit on the spectrum.
