Sexual Orientations That You May Never Have Known Existed

People are choosing to define their sexual orientation in different ways now more than ever. It can get confusing when people choose to label themselves in ways that deviate away from the “mainstream” or “common” sexual orientations. 

Everyone knows about the three main sexual orientations, even though some conservatives may choose to ignore the second two. The three mainstream sexual orientations are: 

• Heterosexual – Heterosexuals are attracted to members of the opposite sex. Heterosexual individuals are also called “straight”
• Homosexual – Homosexuals are attracted to members of the same sex. Homosexual individuals are also referred to as “gay.” Homosexual women are also called “lesbians.”
• Bisexual – Bisexuals are attracted to both males and females.

Some people, especially those who subscribe to the idea that there are more than just the two binary genders and people who dismiss the idea of gender completely, may choose to label themselves with one of the following two sexual orientations:

• -Pansexual – Pansexuals are people who are attracted to people regardless of biological gender. Pansexuality differs from bisexuality, in that pansexuals are attracted to people who fall outside the gender binary of male or female, such as transgendered individuals. These individuals are sometimes also called “omnisexuals.”
• Polysexual – Polysexuals are attracted to more than one gender, but not necessarily all genders. They are, however, different from bisexuals in that, like pansexuals, may be attracted to people who are do not fall into the male/female gender binary, or do not believe in the idea that there are only two genders. 

Some people are not sexually attracted to anyone, whether or not they have sexual feelings in general.

• Asexual – Asexual individuals are not sexually attracted anyone. They may or may not have sexual feelings or urges, but they are not attracted anyone in particular and will probably refrain from sexual activity. This is not the same as celibacy, as celibate people can be sexually attracted to others, but choose not to act on it. 
• Autosexual – Autosexuals prefer masturbation over partnered sex. Autosexuals may be sexually attracted to their self, but not to other people.

There are a minority of people who are not attracted to people, but are attracted to inanimate objects. Actual individuals who identify with these orientations may or may not exist:

• Robosexual – Robosexuals are sexually attracted to robots. This orientation may become more prevent in the coming years as sex robots become more technologically advanced and more commonplace. 
• Automosexual – Automosexuals are attracted to cars and other vehicles. Not to be confused with autosexual.

(okay, so maybe this category is mostly a joke).

Some people may argue that their sexual preferences constitute a distinct and acceptable sexual orientation, despite the fact that it is illegal and immoral to act on their desires, as their preferred partners cannot actually give consent. The following “orientations” are probably better classified as “mental disorders” or crimes.

• Pedophilia – Pedophilia is the sexual attraction to children. It generally only develops in people who were, themselves, abused as children. If you have these urges, please see a mental health provider before you end up ruining a child’s life and going to jail. 
• Zoophilia – The sexual attraction to animals. This is also called bestiality and it is illegal. 

Whatever your sexual orientation (unless it’s one in the last category, and possibly the category before), you shouldn’t be afraid to be who you are. No one should be discriminated against because of their sexual preferences as long as their preferred partner is able to legally consent to sexual activities.