Dear Ahotchick,

Sexual orientation — being gay, lesbian, bisexual, questioning, or straight — is only a part of sexuality. Our sexuality includes

• our bodies and how they work
• our genders — female or male
• our gender identity — our feelings about being female or male
• our sexual orientations — straight, lesbian, gay, or bisexual
• our values about life, love, and the people in our lives

We are all sexual beings — beginning from birth. Our sexuality influences how we feel about all of those things and how we experience the world.

Sexual orientation is a part of what makes up our sexuality. It refers to the people for whom we feel affection and sexual attraction. People who feel sexual desire for members of the other gender are heterosexual, or straight. People who feel sexual desire for people of the same gender are homosexual, or gay. Gay women are called lesbians. People who are attracted to both genders are called bisexual.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.