Sexual orientation is about how a person feels romantically and sexually towards another person (APA, 2018). It can change over time, and people might be attracted to people of the opposite gender (heterosexual), their own gender (gay or lesbian), or both genders (bisexual) (Compton & Krane, 2019). Some people use different labels like asexual, pansexual, or queer. Sexual identity is how someone thinks of themselves based on their attraction and their connection to a community of people who share that attraction (APA, 2018; Krane & Symons, 2014). Coming out is when someone tells others about their sexual orientation. It’s important to remember that some people might not feel safe coming out, and that’s okay (Compton & Krane, 2019). The term “inviting in” is used to describe when someone chooses to be honest about their sexual orientation as a way of taking care of themselves (Compton & Krane, 2019).
American Psychological Association. (2008). Answers to your questions: For a better understanding of sexual orientation and homosexuality. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/topics/lgbt/ orientation.pdf.
Compton, B., Krane, V. (2019). In D. Hackfort, R. J. Schinke, & B. Strauss (Eds.), Dictionary of sport psychology: Sport, exercise, and performing arts. Academic Press.
Krane, V., & Symons, C. (2014). Gender and sexual orientation in sport. In A. Papaioannou, & D. Hackfort (Eds.), Fundamental concepts in sport and exercise psychology (pp. 119135). London, UK: Taylor & Francis.
