Some of the influences on sexual identity include:

• cultural norms of masculine and feminine roles
• experiences of puberty
• experiences of abuse
• peer and family responses to expressions of sexual identity
• fashion and media

An individual in whom their gender identity does not match their biological sex is said to experience gender dysphoria and may identify as transgender. This is different to people who choose to dress in clothing of the other sex, known as cross dressers. A person’s sexual orientation is not indicated by their identification as transgender or as a cross dresser.