Sexual Orientation is categorized in terms of three classes namely, gay, lesbian and bisexual. A gay man is one who is romantically, sexually and/or emotionally attracted to men. The word gay can be used to refer generally to lesbian, gay and bisexual people but many women prefer to be called lesbian. A lesbian woman is one who is romantically, sexually and/or emotionally attracted to women. Many lesbians prefer to be called lesbian rather than gay. A bisexual person, on the other hand, is someone who is romantically, sexually and/or emotionally attracted to people of both sexes.

What these definitions tell us is only the core of the fruit inside. The taste, however, bitter or sweet, can only be known by consuming the fruit. Identifying ones sexual orientation is one of the tasks which is extremely personal in nature and yet is affected by cultural and societal factors. According to the American Psychological Association, sexual orientation is distinct from other components of sex and gender. These components include biological sex (the anatomical, physiological, and genetic characteristics associated with being male or female), gender identity (the psychological sense of being male or female), and social gender role (the cultural norms that define feminine and masculine behaviour). In layman terms, sexual orientation is a label that a person identifies themselves with. 

But how correct or justified is this self-identification when it is influenced by so many external factors? Sexual orientation is commonly discussed as if it were solely a characteristic of an individual, like biological sex, gender identity, or age. This perspective is incomplete because sexual orientation is defined in terms of relationships with others. It is a form of identity, based on a person’s attractions, related behaviors, and membership in a community of others who share those attractions. These factors are essential as they mould the way which might force one’s thoughts or sometimes actions. The time required by a person to realize their true sexual identity is also altered by these factors. For example, it is often observed that homosexual people tend to accept or know about their sexuality much later in a conservative community and sooner in a broad-minded one. The fear of rejection or standing as the odd one out from the community or society drives their thoughts in a false direction. Thus, they try to modify or disguise their true feelings into something that is socially more acceptable.