What is the difference between sexual identity and gender identity? are the two related?

SEXUAL IDENTITY AND GENDER IDENTITY

2007

What is the difference between sexual identity and gender identity ? Are the two related

The difference between sexual identity and gender identity , although interrelated characteristics , is the difference between physiological and psychological distinguishments . Every human being possesses both a sexual identity and a gender identity . In some individuals , both identities are in line with one another in others , both identities are in conflict with one another . To understand the true distinction between sexual identity and gender identity , it is important to consider several

points : the definition of gender identity the definition of sexual identity the role sexual and gender identities play in every day life and the degree to which sexual and gender identities can be influenced , controlled or changed

Gender identity is the way in which an individual identifies himself with a specific gender , based upon the physiological characteristics as well as outward manifestations including clothing , hairstyles and other attributes which are place plainly in public view . As the physiological component to a person 's gender and sexual identity makeup , a person 's gender identification is often , but not always , based upon innate physical characteristics . At times , however , individuals identity themselves with a gender that their physiological makeup does not support . This identification with a non-physiologically supported gender identity can be the result of a physical action - during the formation of a fetus , an effect on the baby 's gender - or the result of a preference for the gender roles assigned to the opposite gender Identification with an opposing gender does not always mean that a person desires to be another gender - they may simply prefer characteristics more commonly associated with the other gender . Because these gender roles are often very stereotypical , it is not necessarily a sign of gender confusion if an individual prefers more roles of the opposing gender than of their own

Sexual identity is the way in which an individual identifies himself in terms of sexual orientation . This is interrelated with gender identity in that a gender-identified male will often carry the sexual identity of a heterosexual , preferring female to male partners . Going farther , when a male gender-identifies with the female gender , they will often carry the sexual identity of a homosexual , preferring male to female partners Conversely , a female will associate with either the sexual identification of heterosexuality or homosexuality dependant upon whether they gender-identify with the male or female gender . Sexual identity is truly a synonym for sexual orientation , and the extent to which is can be distinguished goes beyond heterosexual and homosexual to also include bisexual preferences , or preferring both female and male partners . As the psychological component of a person 's gender and sexual identity makeup , sexual identification can change over a person 's life . While a woman in her 20s may label herself and behave as a lesbian , she may later in life identify herself as heterosexual and begin a relationship with a man . In contrast , a man in his 20s may label himself...