According to the , sexual orientation is a permanent affective, romantic, sexual or emotional attraction towards others. It is important to distinguish it from biological sex, the social role of sex (cultural norms of what is feminine and what is masculine) and sexual identity (psychological meaning).
Mostly, psychologists consider that sexual orientation cannot be changed and is not a voluntary choice. Research indicates that, at least partially, orientation is biological. In a classic investigation, he discovered differences in the hypothalamic structure between heterosexual and homosexual men. Lemay was a homosexual scientist who wanted to investigate something related to his identity, but to avoid bias, he conducted the study without knowing which of the donors were gay (Myers, 2006).
Other recent studies have also found differences between the brains of heterosexual and homosexual people. Lidström (2008) observed differences in brain asymmetry and functional connectivity, for example.
Sexual orientation can be exclusive heterosexual, exclusive homosexual (who are usually called gay, both women and men, or lesbian) or we also find various forms of bisexuality ().
Sexual behavior and sexual orientation are different since the latter refers to the concept of oneself and feelings. On the other hand, in relation to sexual behavior, people may or may not express their orientation through it ().
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Sources:
American Psychological Association (APA),
Myers, D. (2006), Psychology 7th edition. Panamericana Medical Publishing House