Sexual Orientation: Categories or Continuum? Commentary on Bailey et al. (2016).
Bailey et al. (2016) have provided an excellent, state-of-the-art overview that is a major contribution to our understanding of sexual orientation. However, whereas Bailey and his coauthors have examined the physiological, behavioral, and self-report data of sexual orientation and see categories, I see a sexual and romantic continuum. After noting several objections concerning the limitations of the review and methodological shortcomings characteristic of sexual-orientation research in general, I present evidence from research investigating in-between sexualities to support an alternative, continuum-based perspective regarding the nature of sexual orientation for both women and men. A continuum conceptualization has potential implications for investigating the prevalence of nonheterosexuals, sexual-orientation differences in gender nonconformity, causes of sexual orientation, and political issues.
Department of Human Development, Cornell University Savin-Williams@cornell.edu.
Ritch C
RC
Savin-Williams
D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D057566:Self Report; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D019529:Sexuality
gay/lesbian; recruitment; romantic indicators; sexual continuum; sexual orientation