"Same-gender attraction"

"Same-gender attraction" (or "SGA") is a term for attraction towards people of the same gender. This description does not specifically refer to exclusive attraction, and also encompasses people whose attraction is non-exclusive. People who experience attraction to the same gender are sometimes described as being "same-gender attracted," and may be discouraged from adopting labels under the LGBTQ+ umbrella. "Same-gender attraction" ("SGA") is often used interchangeably with "same-sex attraction" ("SSA"), despite sex and gender being separate experiences.
Though innocuous on the surface, "same-gender attraction" and "same-sex attraction" terminology originated in Latter-day Saints conversion "therapy" culture. This terminology was used to depict same-gender or same-sex intimacy and love as behaviors which can be unlearned and avoided. It is often stated that "same-gender attraction does not need to define a person's actions," urging people not to pursue same-gender relationships or sex. Attraction to people of the same gender or sex is portrayed as an affliction, rather than a positive or neutral aspect of one's identity. Individuals who are attracted to the same gender or sex are encouraged to distance themselves from those emotions as much as possible, rather than adopting an identity such as gay, lesbian, or bisexual. The terms "same-gender attraction," "same-gender attracted," and "SGA" are sometimes used outside Latter-day Saints contexts, often due to people not being aware of their origins or usage as conversion terms.
The term is not to be confused with same-gender loving (SGL), which is a term originating from Black communities as an alternative to Eurocentric LGBTQ+ identities.
== References ==
Category:Terminology
Category:Scare quotes