CHAPTER 5 Flashcards
Sexual Orientation
The way in which people pursue love, attachment, and meaningful social connections with people of the same sex, a different sex, or either sex
Sexual Fluidity
The idea that sexual attractions can change, and that people have the capacity to grow more attracted or less attracted to men or to women, regardless of their general sexual orientation
Asexuality
A sexual orientation in which people lack sexual desire and sexual attraction, thereby reducing interest in sexual interaction
Sexual Minorities
Individuals who do not identify themselves as primarily and exclusively straight in their sexual orientation
Heteronormativity
The mistaken idea that heterosexuality, because it is common, typical, and “the norm,” is also necessarily ideal, optimal, or desirable
Internalized Homonegativity
An involuntary tendency for gay and lesbian people to accept and even endorse harsh stereotypes about sexual minorities
Romantic Attraction
Feelings of infatuation, love, and emotional desire for another person
Sexual Arousal
A physiological response to same-sex and different-sex people
Sexual Attraction
Fantasies, feelings of lust, and erotic desire for another person
Sexual Behavior
The overt sexual interactions a person engages in with another person
Sexual Identity
The way a person understands and labels his or her attraction to, and sexual interactions with, other people
Gender Nonconformity
The extent to which an individual’s appearance, behavior, and interests differ from what is considered typical or normal for his or her gender
