Sexuality is a natural, normal and healthy part of being human, of being a young person, of being alive, regardless of your sexual orientation. Everyone has sexuality, but we all experience it and express it in different ways. Sexuality isn’t just about sex, it’s about your feelings, attractions and desires and how you express these. This includes who you find attractive to and who you enjoy being with.
Sometimes this might be easier said than done, we all question our sexuality at some time. It might seem that your friends are all sure of what they want or who they are and there might be a lot of pressure to be cool and fit in.
It’s difficult to be different from your friends but not everyone, including your friends, can be sure of what they want and it’s totally ok to question your sexuality.
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.
Enjoy your sexuality, take your time to find out what you really want, you don’t have to rush to choose a label…your sexuality is absolutely unique to you. It’s important and exciting exploring your feelings and not something you should be worrying about!
It includes:
The choice not to have sex is ok and is your choice, no one else’s. If you have chosen to have sex, this experience should be fun, pleasurable, healthy, safe, consensual and empowering!
It’s very important that when we think about healthy sex we understand what the potential harm could be.
For some people homophobia or transphobia can prevent them from being able to express their sexuality.
Homophobia is an irrational fear and dislike of lesbian, gay and bisexual people. Transphobia is an irrational fear and dislike of transgender people.
You may have heard of the term LGBT. This stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender. Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual are sexual orientations where as Transgender is about gender identity.
LGBT are often talked about together because they have similar experiences in coming out (telling other people about their sexual orientation or gender identity) and experience similar prejudice and stigma.
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 Gay & Lesbian 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.
Published on 06/07/2010
Last modified on 26/04/2011
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