What is sexual orientation?

Sexual orientation is our emotional and sexual attraction to individuals of a different gender, the same gender or more than one gender.

Sexual orientation is part of someone’s sexuality - it’s about who you’re attracted to. It isn’t just about the sexual side of attraction, it covers emotional and romantic attraction too. Here are some of the terms that people use to describe their sexual orientation:

Bisexual- this can generally be defined as sexual and emotional attraction to both men and women.

Gay - someone who is sexually and emotionally attracted to people of the same sex. This is most often used to refer to men who identify as gay. Many women also identify themselves as gay.

Lesbian- a woman who is sexually and emotionally attracted to other women. 

Straight- Heterosexual. This is someone who is sexually and emotionally attracted to someone of the opposite sex.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and straight are only labels but we’re all more interesting and complex than these categories! No matter what you choose to call yourself your sexuality and preferences may change or you might be questioning what you want - this is totally ok.

What does 'coming out' mean?

Coming out refers to the process of telling others about your sexual orientation or gender identity.

This can be difficult because there is still a lot of stigma and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (lgbt) people.  There is often no way of being sure about how people will react and this can be scary.

Sometimes when you do tell others about your sexual orientation or gender identity it can be a very empowering and life changing experience.

Coming out can be an ongoing process with different milestones from self acceptance and coming to yourself to telling friends, family, school mates or work colleagues. Coming out can involve daily decision making, especially in new situations whether it’s a new school, college or sports club. LGBT people come out at all stages of their lives and may choose only to tell certain people or live fully as themselves. Most LGBT people really need to trust someone before telling them and it’s up to them to tell others when they are ready rather than anyone else doing it for them without their permission.

If you would like information or advice about ‘coming out’ then go to the LGBT Youth Scotland Website and the Terrence Higgins Trust website.

More...

If you want to talk about your sexuality or any issues surrounding it then there are lots of helpful organisations out there that can help you out so get in touch.

LGBT Youth Scotland - They run a wide range of services, including drop-in groups around the country. They also have lots of advice and information on their website.

Scottish Transgender Alliance- provides guidance to service providers and info to support transgender people.

Terrence Higgins Trust-The Terrence Higgins Trust offers advice to young gay and bisexual men. Phone their helpline on 0845 12 21 200 (Mon to Fri 10am - 10pm, Sat & Sun 12noon - 6pm). You can get leaflets on the website.

Parents Enquiry Scotland – Here you can talk to other parents of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender children. All their contact details are on their website, and they can also offer support for people who have religious concerns around their son or daughter’s sexuality.

Strathclyde Lesbian & Gay Switchboard - This is a support service for people in the West of Scotland experiencing problems relating to sexuality.  Here's the numbers:
Lesbian Line: 0141 847 0547 (7.30pm-10pm on Wednesdays)
Lesbian & Gay Switchboard- 0141 847 0447 (7pm-10pm) daily.