Essential aspects and practical implications of sexual identity

Abstract

Sexual identity is a multidimensional construct that includes sex identity, gender identity, socio-sexual identity, and erotic identity. Sexual identity has theoretical and practical implications for sexual and reproductive health. For adults, concordance among biological sex, gender and role identity, and erotic identity is expected. However, 10% of the general population reports itself as non-heterosexual and another significant percent shows discordant sexual behavior with sexual identity. This narrative review clarifies the concepts of sexual identity, gender identity, socio-sexual identity, and erotic identity and presents some practical issues of an inappropriate use of these constructs in public health. © 2010 Universidad del Valle, Facultad de Salud.