1. Heterosexual.
Most people on Earth are heterosexuals. People who are sexually attracted to opposite sex are heterosexuals. If you are a male who is attracted to females and vice versa, you are a heterosexual (and accepted worldwide)
2. Homosexual.
People who are sexually attracted to their own sex are homosexuals. Homosexuals are often split into two categories namely, Gays (Boy-Boy) and Lesbians (Girl-Girl). Famous gay people include talk show host, Ellen DeGeneres and Apple CEO, Tim Cook.
3. Bisexual.
Persons who are sexually attracted to people of both the sexes are bisexuals. Bisexual contains aspects of both, heterosexuality and homosexuality. They're in a relationship with a person irrespective of their sexes. Famous celebrities such as Angelina Jolie and Sia are bisexuals and have dated both men and women.
4. Transgender/Transsexual.
Transgender form the third gender in most countries. Although the third gender includes LGBT (Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-Transgender) but in India only transgenders form the third gender. People who feel different or opposite to their natural sex (at birth) are termed as transgender. It is considered as the third gender because these people are neither male or female but bi-gender. Transgenders or transsexuals may cross-dress and undergo medical procedures and transform themselves according to how they feel. Eunuchs and Orange are the New Black celebrity Laverne Cox are all transsexuals.
5. Asexual.
People devoid of any sexual desires or very low sexual drive are called asexuals. They have no particular needs and experiences no sexual attraction. It is a relatively new sexual orientation and is different from celibacy which is a choice. It is a very volatile form of sexuality as it varies from person to person.
6. Pansexual.
People who are attracted to human beings regardless of their gender are known as pansexuals. It is an extended form of bisexuality. Pansexuals call themselves 'gender-blind' and are different from bisexuals because sex includes only male and female and gender orientations can be of various types. Fictional character Doctor from Dr. Who is pansexual.
7. Omnisexual.
Often used synonymously with pansexuality, omnisexual differs slightly from it. 'Omni' means all or compassing everything. Therefore, Omnisexuals are not just limited to having a sexual attraction with human beings but also everything in the world – living and non-living. Brand new to the list, it is actually as queer as it sounds.
8. Metrosexual.
This term is generally used for males who are heterosexual (but can be really used by men with any sexual orientation) but with extensive and careful grooming habits. Metrosexuals emerged as a result of emerging metropolitan cities where men and women started caring more about the way they look and dressed. Metrosexual men are generally misunderstood as homosexuals (gays) because they seem quite feminine with respect to their grooming habits. Rajesh Koothrapali from The Big Bang Theory is a metrosexual.
With gender becoming a highly individualized concept, sexuality preferences have become more diversified than ever. Multiple forms of sexualities can be found on the internet with people categorising their sexual preferences as specifically as possible. These types of sexualities and stern classification based on minute detail may seem bizarre and confusing but still remain an interesting read as ever.
Written by Sanya K. Aitwani
Complicated thinker with a creative streak and perceptive outlook.