Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual & Transgender
It can be very scary when we first realise we may be gay. This is because some people don’t accept people who are gay and see us as being different to them. You may be having feelings for members of the same sex but at the same time don’t want to be “abnormal”. So your emotions may be in turmoil. The important thing to remember is that it is OK and you are completely normal.
Lesbian and gay young people often begin to think they are “different” from about 11 years (or younger) and then realise, around puberty that this difference is because they are gay.
Coming Out
Telling people about your sexuality is called coming out. You don't have to tell anyone you’re lesbian, gay or bisexual if you don't want to. It's up to you who you tell, but you might feel happier if you can be honest about who you really are. A good idea is to start by telling someone you really trust, and who you know will be supportive. It might also be helpful to get an idea about people's attitudes towards sexuality before you talk to them.
Some people don’t have a problem accepting their sexuality: they make contact with other lesbians and gays, attend the local gay youth group and get involved in discussions, trips, visits to other youth groups, etc.
Others may have problems coming to terms with their sexuality, and may not have the support of family or friends. If this is you, you might find it helpful to find someone to talk to that understands.
It’s estimated that about 10% of the population is gay. This means that if you are in a class of 30 people, at least two others will be gay (as well as yourself)! It is unlikely, however that they will have told anyone.
It might be useful to you to:
1. Get access to accurate information, and
2. Contact your local gay youth group.
Most local towns and cities have a gay youth group. Have a look at the
GALYIC website
Check the local services at the back
The Lesbian and Gay Foundation
www.lgf.org.uk/directory/support
0845 3 30 30 30
Information and Support on a range of issues including counselling and coming out.
Homophobia
A or dislike of homosexual people and homosexuality is called homophobia. If you are being bullied or are a victim of homophobia there are people you can talk to. Try the services below or the school nurse. If you are in danger ring 999.
Broken Rainbow
www.broken-rainbow.org.uk
0300 999 5428
Offering advice, support and referral services to LGBT people experiencing homophobic, transphobic and same sex domestic violence.
EACH - Educational Action Challenging Homophobia
0808 1000 143
If you or someone you know is being bullied because of sexual orientation, EACH support anyone being bullied due to homophobia.
Definitions
Sexuality: One definition of sexuality is ‘how you feel about yourself as a sexual being’. That doesn’t just mean having sex, but a whole range of feelings you might have relating to sex, including who you are attracted to – your sexual orientation- whether you regard yourself as ‘straight’, ‘gay’, ‘lesbian’ or ‘bi-sexual’.
Gender: is defined by which physical sexual characteristics you are born with, i.e. male or female.
Heterosexual: (‘straight’): being sexually attracted to, fancying, and loving people of the opposite sex.
Homosexual: (‘gay’, lesbian): being sexually attracted to, loving fancying people of the same sex.
Bi-sexual: being sexually attracted to, fancying, loving people of either sex
Transgender: (transpeople): someone who identifies, either fully or in part, as belonging to another gender than the one they are born as.
Transvestite: someone who enjoys dressing in the clothes of the opposite sex.
Celibate: (not having sex with anyone): this may be through choice or not; it may be temporary or permanent. People can be celibate whatever their sexual orientation.
