SOGIE =
Sexual Orientation
Gender Identity &
Gender Expression
What is sexual orientation?
Sexual orientation is about who someone feels attracted to—emotionally, romantically, or physically. It’s part of who a person is, just like their personality or favorite hobbies.
Some examples of sexual orientation include:
Straight (heterosexual): being attracted to people of a different gender.
Gay or lesbian: being attracted to people of the same gender.
Bisexual: being attracted to more than one gender.
Asexual: not feeling romantic or physical attraction to others, or only feeling it sometimes.
Pansexual: being attracted to people regardless of their gender.
What is Gender Identity?
Gender identity is how you feel inside about being a boy, a girl, both, neither, or something else. It’s part of who you are, and it doesn’t always match your body or the gender people assume you are based on how you look.
For example, someone might be born with a body that people usually call “female,” but inside they feel like a boy. Or someone might not feel like either a boy or a girl—they might feel like something in between, or outside those labels altogether.
It’s important to know that gender identity is about your inner sense of self, not your physical body. Anatomy (like having certain body parts) doesn’t decide your gender identity—you do.
Everyone’s gender identity is valid, and it’s okay if it takes time to figure out what feels right for you.
Is Gender Identity the same as Sexual Orientation?
It’s important to know that sexual orientation is separate from gender identity.
Gender identity is about who you are;
Sexual orientation is about who you’re attracted to.
For example, someone might identify as a girl and be attracted to other girls—or they might identify as nonbinary and be attracted to boys, girls, or anyone.
Everyone’s orientation is personal and valid. It’s okay to take time to figure it out, and it’s okay if it changes as you grow.
What is Gender Expression?
Gender expression is how someone shows their gender to the world through things like:
Clothing and style
Haircuts
Voice and body language
The name or pronouns they use
It’s about how you present yourself, and it can be different from what people expect based on your body or gender identity.
How is Gender Expression Different from Gender Identity?
Gender identity is how you feel inside—whether you feel like a boy, a girl, both, neither, or something else.
Gender expression is how you show that feeling on the outside.
For example:
Someone might identify as nonbinary (gender identity) and wear makeup and dresses (gender expression).
Another person might identify as a girl but prefer short hair and baggy clothes.
A boy might enjoy painting his nails or wearing bright colors—and that’s okay too!
Important: There’s no “right” way to express your gender. Everyone’s style and expression are unique, and it doesn’t have to match what others expect.
What is Drag? Do you have to be LGBTQ+ to do drag or want to?
Drag is connected to gender expression, but it’s not the same as gender identity or sexual orientation.
Gender Expression: Drag is a way people play with and explore gender presentation. It’s often bold, theatrical, and fun.
Gender Identity: Doing drag doesn’t mean someone is transgender or nonbinary. Many drag performers are cisgender, and many trans people do drag too.
Sexual Orientation: Drag doesn’t define who someone is attracted to. People of all orientations—gay, straight, bi, pan, etc.—can be drag performers or fans.
Drag is about:
Performance and creativity, not necessarily identity.
Celebrating gender diversity, challenging stereotypes, and expressing yourself.
Drag can be empowering, especially for LGBTQ+ people, but it’s open to everyone.