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Sexuality, similarly, is a social construction. Evidence that sexual preferences are influenced, not predetermined, by genetic dispositions (Dececco and Elia 1993) can be seen as a breakthrough in the advancement of civil rights for lesbians and gays, for we should not discriminate against people based on genetic differences. That said, how is sexuality a social construction? While sexual preference is not entirely socially constructed, it still stems significantly from societal influence (see our discussion of sexuality and heteronormativity in the following section). Regardless of whether people are biologically predisposed to certain sexual orientations, the media and society at large give different meanings to homosexuals than to heterosexuals. The differences are framed not merely in terms of sexual partner preferences but in terms of entire lifestyles. Typically, the media and society at large depict homosexuals and their lifestyles as deviant and in a generally negative light, while heterosexuals and their lifestyles are considered normal, positive, and ultimately desirable. Yet the prospect that we have a single sexuality is dubious, even if we are predisposed to one versus another. Queer theorists maintain that we have multiple sexualities, that we can move in between sexual acts with one sex and then the other based on circumstances (Stein 1997). We can be attracted to different sexes at different times but, given the dominance of heteronormative thinking (which we discuss in the next section), we may suppress those feelings.

The term “queer” highlights the mutable nature of sexuality and sexual relationships as well as the limitations of a heteronormative outlook. It allows more readily for transgender and transsexual individuals and identities, which defy static notions of gender and sexuality. Once considered a derogatory term that straight people used to insult, denigrate, and disparage homosexuals, the term has been reclaimed by many who identify as homosexual in more recent years who have infused it with more positive meaning. Indeed, there are people who engage in straight relationships and may not have ever been in a homosexual relationship, but who may claim a “queer” identity as a critique of heteronormativity. Others, however, prefer to use the term “LGBTQIA” to include the range of nonnormative sexualities people may have (lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual or ally). With respect to gendered identities, many people have made it a standard practice to state their gendered pronouns when they introduce themselves to others (i.e. My name is Robyn and I use she/her pronouns; my name is Pawan and I use he/his/him pronouns).