Some parents may be more accepting than others. Still, the answer to this question will depend on your relationship with them and how you think they will react. Yes, if you feel confident in your decision and ready. Then, in time, as you become more comfortable with your sexual orientation, you can tell others. It might be a friend, a sibling, a parent, or a teacher or counselor. Start by telling someone you trust, someone who is understanding. Keep in mind, coming out doesn't mean telling everyone you know that you are gay. Despite the prejudice some gay people may experience, most people say they felt relieved, happy, and more confident after they came out. If you are putting yourself at risk, it is better to come out and reveal your sexual orientation rather than hide your true self. Such pain can harm your self esteem and lead to destructive behaviors. Hiding your sexual orientation, or pretending to be someone you are not, can be painful and lonely. Usually, this is to avoid prejudice against homosexuality. Still, many homosexual or bisexual people choose to live a heterosexual lifestyle, despite their feelings. Most experts agree that a person's sexual orientation cannot be changed. Homosexuality is not caused by poor parenting or sexual abuse.
These include biology, environment, hormones, and emotions. There are many factors that contribute to a person's sexual orientation. Why am I like this? Can I avoid being gay? No! There is absolutely nothing wrong with you. Is there something wrong with me if I am gay? But, if you are gay, in time, your sexual feelings towards a person of the same sex will become stronger and clearer. Just because you have these feelings doesn't mean that you are gay. It is not unusual for heterosexuals, or straight people, to have fantasies or be curious about people of the same sex. So you may not know who you really are attracted to until you are older. Sexual identity often develops over time. How do I know for sure?ĭetermining sexual orientation can be confusing for some people. I'm not sure if I am homosexual or bisexual. Transgender people may be heterosexual (attracted to the opposite sex), homosexual (attracted to the same sex), or bisexual. Transgender is not the same as being gay. But in their mind they may feel like a female. For example, a person may be considered male because they have a penis. Someone whose feelings about being male or female differ from their sexual anatomy.
A male or female who is sexually attracted to both sexes. A female who is romantically and sexually attracted to other females. A person - male or female - who is attracted to someone of the same sex. It's a term used to describe types of sexual orientation. LGBT stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. We give you answers to some pressing questions. WebMD takes a look at what it means to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. That's a term used to describe a person's physical and romantic attraction to other people. It is during the teen years that most boys and girls begin to take a closer look at their sexual orientation. This can cause a roller coaster of emotions as you explore your sexual identity. Not only is your body changing, but your feelings may also be changing. The teenage years can be a challenging and confusing time.