Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Development

Sexual orientation refers to a person's emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to others, such as being heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual. Gender identity is a person’s deeply felt experience of their own gender, which may or may not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. In development, understanding these aspects helps promote healthy social acceptance, mental well-being, and inclusive policies. Recognizing that both are core parts of individual identity fosters respect and supports the development of environments where everyone can thrive authentically.