sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI)

Sexual orientation refers to the enduring emotional, romantic, or sexual attractions someone has toward others, such as being heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual. Gender identity is a person’s deeply felt internal sense of their own gender, which may align or differ from the sex they were assigned at birth. Understanding SOGI helps recognize and respect individual diversity, emphasizing that these aspects are core to a person’s identity and can vary widely across experiences. Validating SOGI promotes inclusivity and supports mental and emotional well-being for all individuals.