Why does the site use the term “same-sex attraction”?

“Same-sex attraction” refers to emotional, physical, romantic, or sexual attraction to a person of the same gender. People who experience same-sex attraction may or may not choose to use a sexual orientation label to describe themselves. Either way, same-sex attraction is a technical term describing the experience without imposing a label. This website uses this term to be inclusive of people who are not comfortable using a label—not to deny the existence of a gay, lesbian, or bisexual identity.

The most common labels are lesbian (a woman attracted to women), gay (a man attracted to men), and bisexual (a man or woman attracted to both genders). Some women may also use the term gay to describe themselves. People may use other labels, and some who experience same-sex attraction choose not to use a label to describe themselves. How people choose to identify may change over time.