Orientations

Sexual fluidity

Alsofluidsexually fluidfluid sexualityfluidity

Definition

The observation that some people's attractions change over time or depend on circumstances, rather than staying fixed throughout life.

At a glance

  • Describes attraction that changes over time or with circumstances for some people.
  • Documented by researchers such as psychologist Lisa Diamond.
  • Fluid is also used as a self-description.
  • Does not mean orientation can be chosen or changed on demand.
  • Many people experience no fluidity at all, and that is equally normal.

In detail

Researchers such as psychologist Lisa Diamond have documented that, for some people, attraction can shift across the life course. "Fluid" is also used as a self-description by people who feel their orientation moves.

Fluidity is not the same as orientation being chosen or changeable on demand. It does not support "conversion" practices, which remain ineffective and harmful. Many people experience no fluidity at all, and that is equally normal.

In a sentence

  • My attractions have shifted a few times over the years, so I describe myself as fluid.
  • The lecture covered research on sexual fluidity and why it doesn't support conversion practices.

Where the word comes from

The phrase was popularised by psychologist Lisa Diamond, whose 2008 book Sexual Fluidity followed a group of women's attractions over many years.

Not to be confused with

  • Genderfluid

    Genderfluid describes a gender identity that changes, not attraction.

Common questions

Does sexual fluidity mean orientation can be changed?

No. Fluidity describes changes that happen naturally for some people. It does not mean anyone can change their orientation on purpose, and it gives no support to conversion practices, which are ineffective and harmful.

Is it normal for attraction to change?

For some people, yes. Others feel the same attraction throughout life. Both are normal, and a change does not make earlier feelings any less real.

Related terms