Differentiate between the concept of sex, sexuality, sexual orientation and gender

In the introduction, highlight the need for understanding the differences between these terms. In the body, define each term and bring out the differences. You can add examples.

In general terms, “sex” refers to the biological differences between males and females, such as the genitalia and genetic differences.

• Male( XY chromosomes, high levels of testosterone)
• Female( XX chromosomes, high levels of Estrogen)
• Intersex(a person born with the sexual anatomy or chromosomes that don’t fit the traditional definition of male or female. A combination of reproductive sex organs, including internal sex organs, chromosomes. and hormones). 

 “Gender” is more difficult to define, but it can refer to the role of a male or female in society, known as a gender role, or an individual’s concept of themselves, or gender identity.

• Cisgender– a person who identifies with the sex they were assigned at birth. For example, a person who was assigned as a male at birth, and identifies as male, or vice versa.  
• Transgender– a person whose gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. For example, a person who was assigned as a male at birth, but identifies as female, or vice versa.
• Gender Fluid– a person whose gender identity is not fixed and / or shifts depending on the situation. These people don’t feel the need to act according to the sex they were assigned at birth and the associated traditional social roles. 

Sexuality and sexual orientation are often used interchangeably. Sexual orientation, in fact is the intensified form of sexuality.

Sexuality is about the sexual feelings, thoughts, attractions and behaviours towards other people. One can find other people physically, sexually or emotionally attractive, and all those things are a part of his/her sexuality. Sexuality is diverse and personal, and it is an important part to define about that person.

Sexual orientation is the emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction that a person feels toward another person. There are several types of sexual orientation;

A person’s sexuality can be:

• Heterosexual – A person attracted to people of the opposite sex.
• Homosexual – A person attracted to people of the same sex.
• Bisexual – The word ‘bi’, meaning ‘two’, refers to a person attraction to both genders (male and female). 
• Asexual – Asexuality is the absence of sexual attraction. For example, some asexual people are in romantic relationships where they never desire sex, and some are not in romantic relationships at all. 
• Pansexual – ‘Pan’, meaning ‘all-inclusive’, refers to a person’s attraction to multiple genders. Some pansexual people describe their attraction as being based on chemistry rather than gender, but everyone is different. 
• Questioning – Some people may be unsure about their sexuality and / or are exploring it, so might identify as ‘questioning’. 
• +  many more variations of sexuality! 

Sexuality is not necessarily black or white. Instead, it can be thought about on a continuum or in shades of grey. 

Three of the most common aspects used to describe sexuality are:

• Feelings and fantasies: who we fall in love with, who we are attracted to, who we think about when we are aroused, and who we intimately connect with.
• Behaviours: include any form of sexual contact (kissing, touching, oral sex, vaginal sex, anal sex etc.), flirting, who we date, and have relationships with.
• Identity: is the label or description of our sexuality.

In the conclusion, summarize the answer stating why it is important to recognize the differences between the terms and how all the 4 reinforces each other. Explain how understanding the differences will help in recognizing the rights and space for the people in a society. Ex., LGBTQ, transgenders.