One of the components that make up identity is sexual identity. While gender identity is defined by the biological characteristics of individuals, sexual identity is the individual’s definition of themselves as female or male. Sexual identity is shaped by sexual behaviors.
Sexual behaviors include all activities performed to express and satisfy the individual’s sexual needs. These behaviors are determined by learning, modeling, identification, and emotional processes and experiences.
Sexual behaviors occur to establish sexual intimacy and achieve sexual satisfaction. Sexual intimacy allows us to meet our emotional needs as well as our physiological needs. These needs include the need to be loved, protected, admired, approved, etc.
The gender towards which individuals direct their behaviors resulting from their need for sexual intimacy is related to their sexual orientation.
If an individual feels sexual attraction only to the opposite sex, they are heterosexual.
If he/she is sexually attracted only to the same gender, he/she is homosexual.
If a person feels sexual attraction towards both the same sex and the opposite sex, they can be defined as bisexual in terms of their sexual orientation.
While transvestites are individuals who enjoy taking on the behaviors and roles of the opposite sex, transsexuals are individuals who think they need to change their gender and become the other gender mentally and physically.
There are some false preconceptions in society about sexual identity and orientation. For example, contrary to popular belief, homosexual men do not feel like women, and homosexual women do not feel like men. Gender identity and sexual orientation are not disorders/diseases.
There are certain roles that society imposes on us based on our gender. When individuals’ sexual orientations and the identities they define themselves as do not match their gender roles, they experience certain difficulties in all areas of their lives. It is clear that sometimes, due to social pressure and prejudice, some families have difficulty accepting this situation.
The difficulties and pressures that individuals experience in this area can cause them to experience depression and anxiety disorders, and sometimes even suicidal thoughts. At this point, it is recommended that individuals and families seek support from an expert with appropriate therapeutic approaches.
