LGBTQIA+ 101: 3 Ways to Explore Your Sexuality This Pride Month

Why Pride Month Matters

Your place on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum doesn’t come marked on a map, but Pride Month can be a powerful invitation to start the journey.

Pride Month isn’t just about rainbows, glitter, and dance remixes (though we’re not mad about any of those). It’s about celebrating LGBTQIA+ people, honoring our history, and showing up for each other. Pride started as a protest. It was a powerful response to discrimination, led by trans women of color during the Stonewall Uprising in 1969 — and it continues today as a celebration of self-expression, resistance, and joy.

What Does LGBTQIA+ Mean?

Sexual orientation describes who you’re attracted to emotionally, romantically, and/or sexually (or if you’re not attracted to anyone in those ways, that’s okay too). It’s not a fixed box you have to climb into. Think of LGBTQIA+ more like a colorful buffet than a fixed menu. How you identify can shift and grow over time.

Here’s a quick guide to some of the most common labels:

• L: Lesbian — A woman who is attracted to women.
• G: Gay — Usually describes men who are attracted to men, though some people use t more broadly.
• B: Bisexual — This sexual orientation is attracted to more than one gender.
• T: Transgender — Someone whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.
• Q: Queer — An umbrella term for people who don’t identify as straight or cisgender (where gender matches the assigned sex at birth). It’s flexible, powerful, and a little rebellious. Some love it, some see it as a slur — take it or leave it.
• I: Intersex — Someone who was born with physical traits (like chromosomes or genitals) that don’t fit the typical definitions of male or female. 100% natural.
• A: Asexual — Someone who experiences little or no sexual attraction. This can also include aromantic (not into romantic relationships) or graysexual (rarely experience sexual attraction).
• And the +? That little symbol carries a lot of love. It includes:
  • Pansexual: Attracted to people regardless of gender
  • Demisexual: Needs a strong emotional bond to feel sexual attraction
  • Nonbinary: A gender identity outside the male/female binary
  • Two-Spirit: A sacred, gender-diverse identity in many Indigenous cultures
  • Sexual Fluidity: Attraction that can change over time and may shift depending on circumstances or connections

Of course, these are just a few examples. The plus reminds us that identity is expansive, evolving, and deeply personal. You don’t have to know every term. You just need to know there’s space for you.

3 Ways to Explore Your Sexual Orientation

1. Notice What Feels True

Start by looking at the LGBTQIA+ labels listed above. Do any feel familiar? Intriguing? Maybe one makes your shoulders drop a little, or your chest tighten. That’s valuable information.

Your body often notices the truth before your brain catches up. And yes, it’s normal to feel confused while you sort things out.

2. Let Media Be a Mirror

Seriously. Watch shows with LGBTQIA+ characters. Read queer love stories. Scroll through creators who talk openly about sexual orientation. Then ask yourself: How do I feel right now? Am I feeling moved? Confused? Turned on? Seen?

Sometimes we find ourselves in someone else’s story. And sometimes we don’t. Either way, it’s all info.

And remember: Just because something makes your heart race (or your palms sweat) doesn’t mean you have to label yourself. Unless you want to. Then go for it!

3. Find Supportive People to Talk To

You don’t need to figure everything out in your head. In fact, it’s way easier when you don’t.

• Check out LGBTQIA+ centers or Pride events in your area
• Join online spaces like PFLAG or The Trevor Project
  
• Talk to a queer-affirming sex therapist (like me!) who can help you unpack all the big feelings that come with self-discovery

Exploring your sexual orientation can bring up a mix of excitement, fear, grief, and joy. Every part of that journey deserves your attention and care.

There’s No Right Way to Be LGBTQIA+

Here’s your permission slip:
You don’t have to label yourself.
You don’t have to “prove” anything.
You’re allowed to change. You’re allowed to take your time.

Sexual orientation isn’t a straight line — it’s a constellation. Wherever you are in that sky, you belong.

Want Support Along the Way?

This work can feel big. But you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re ready to explore your identity with a supportive, LGBTQIA+-affirming sex therapist, reach out to work with me. I’ll be honored to walk beside you.