What does SOG mean in UNCLASSIFIED

Sexual orientation and gender are two separate concepts. Sexual orientation refers to an individual’s physical, emotional and/or romantic attraction to another person; while gender refers to a set of cultural, societal and personal characteristics that are often associated with individuals based on their assigned sex at birth.

Individuals’ sexual orientations or gender identities may evolve over time as they discover more about themselves and gain new experiences. This does not necessarily mean that one’s sexual orientation or gender identity have changed, but instead can be a natural part of discovering one’s identity.

Yes, there is often a difference between how individuals identify themselves compared to how they experience their sexuality. For example, someone can feel same-sex attraction but choose not to identify as “gay” in order to fit into certain social norms or expectations. It is important for individuals to recognize their own needs when deciding what terms best describe them and their experiences.

Cisgender (or cis) is an adjective that describes someone who identifies with the sex assigned to them at birth. In other words, a cisgender male is someone who was assigned male at birth and identifies as male; similarly, a cisgender female is someone who was assigned female at birth and identifies as female.

Transgender people may identify as straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual or none of those labels. It depends on their unique identity and experiences rather than the gender they were assigned at birth.

No, it is not appropriate to ask about someone else's sexual orientation or gender identity without first obtaining permission from them. Respect everyone's privacy by waiting for them to share such information on their own terms.

There are numerous resources available online for those looking for more information on sexual orientation and gender identity. These include educational websites such as LGBTQ+ Action Center or The Trevor Project along with books like “Gender Outlaws” by Kate Bornstein or “Exchanging Ideas About LGBT Identity" by Tarynn M Witten & Timothy R Flannery Jr..

If you need help figuring out your sexual orientation or gender identity you can always reach out to trusted friends and family members for advice – but remember it’s important not to pressure yourself into any particular label if you don't feel ready yet. You can also seek professional help from a licensed therapist known as an affirming provider which specializes in topics related to sexuality and/or gender.