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Understanding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) 

SOGI stands for sexual orientation and gender identity. It is meant to be a term that can apply to everyone because everyone has a sexual orientation and gender identity. Learning about SOGI helps people better understand themselves and others. It promotes inclusivity and respect for others. 

Understanding SOGI starts with these key terms:

Sexual orientation 

Refers to the types of people a person is attracted sexually, emotionally and romantically.  

Gender

Refers to norms that all communities have about the way people should act, think and feel based on the sex they were assigned at birth. Instead of being about body parts, gender refers to a person’s social and legal status, which includes how society expects them to behave.

Sex assigned at birth

The label a person is given at birth (most commonly “male” or “female”). The decision is based on external sexual or reproductive anatomy and listed on their birth certificate. 

Gender expression

How a person looks and expresses themself. It can be observed in how they act, appear and speak. The ways people express gender may or may not line up with what society regards as male and female.

Gender identity

A person’s own sense of self and their gender. Gender identity can be the same as or different from a person's sex assigned at birth. While a person’s gender expression can be observed, their gender identity (and sexual orientation) cannot be observed. 

Intersex

A person born with a mix of male and female traits and/or sexual anatomy. Intersex people are most often assigned a sex at birth of “male” or “female” that may or may not match their gender identity. Intersex does not refer to sexual orientation. Learn more.

Put SOGI into action!

  • Ask people how they describe themselves before putting a label on their sexual orientation or gender identity. And keep in mind that a person’s SOGI can change. 
  • Be sure to let your healthcare providers know how you identify, especially if it changes. Doing this will help them give you care that supports and affirms who you are.
  • Learn more SOGI terms (and terms to avoid).