Sexual Identity Reflection Paper

In regards to sexual identity, it is hard to pin point an exact explanation because each person experiences it differently. For some it is constantly changing and for others it is more stable. Regardless, sexual identities are an important part of our everyday lives. For many, as the Eliason essay points out, sexual identity is not something we think of often. For heterosexuals it is difficult to realize we even have a sexual identity because very little research has been done on the topic. Majority of research done is focused on gay or lesbian identity development (Eliason, 117). A big problem with sexual identity is a lot of people assume it is always the same as sexual orientation, but there is much more to it than that. Many believe sexual …show more content…
Quite honestly, I used to be one of the people that assumed my sexual identity was already decided because I am heterosexual. I believed that being heterosexual meant I was a strictly straight female and there was no room for change. Since heterosexuality is the “norm”, I thought there was nothing to consider from a sexual identity point of view because I was doing what I was supposed to be doing. Writing this reflection paper has forced me to look back on my life and really understand how sexual identity has affected my everyday life. I really appreciate what I have learned about myself and those around me. That being said, in writing this paper I hope to explain; how my understanding of sexual identity has grown, what sexual identity looks like from my point of view and why it is important to understand sexual identity is a changing …show more content…
Unfortunately, we are not quite there yet. In writing this reflection, I learned I barely understand sexual identity to its fullest. I think it is important for heterosexual individuals to recognize that sexual identity is not only related to those who are gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, etc. We have sexual identities too. I think having an understanding of this will help many realize someone is not less than simply because they are gay. Our sexual identity is not forced onto us at birth and never changing. Also, I think a lot of people do not realize that they themselves have experienced a fluid sexual identity at some point in their lives. Like I said before, it took me years to fully understand that I was once experiencing a fluid sexual identity even though I did not realize it at the time. As previously stated, I believe the most important thing to remember is that sexual identity is a complicated and ever changing thing for every single one of us and that it is okay to not have reached an achievement status yet. It takes longer for some to achieve this status and we should all remember to have respect for every individual, regardless of their sexual