|
Sexual Orientation
What
is it?
Sexual orientation is an enduring, emotional, or
romantic attraction to another person. Homosexuality is when you
are attracted to the same gender. This is referred to as gay or
lesbian -- when men are attracted to other men, and women attracted
to other women.
Heterosexuality
is opposite sex attraction. This is referred to as straight -- when
men are attracted to women and vice versa. Bisexuality is when someone
is attracted to both men and women.
What
causes it?
Sexual orientation usually develops at an early age. Researchers
have tried to see if the cause is environmental (formed after birth
based on your surroundings), biological (formed naturally on your
own) or genetic (inherited from your parents) or a combination of
any of the three. There is no easy answer yet but we do know it
is not a decision people make about themselves; we don't choose
to be gay or straight.
Coming
out
Accepting
your sexual orientation and revealing it to other people when you
are anything but straight is commonly known as "coming out
of the closet", or just "coming out." Revealing your
sexual orientation can be difficult because it is not the community
norm to be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transexual (GLBT). It can feel
isolating and vulnerable to let people know this personal aspect
of yourself. It makes you different from others and as a result,
you may fear your friends and family will reject you or not understand
this part of you. Although coming out to others may not be easy,
it is a huge step in accepting yourself for who you are and will
set the foundation for developing healthier relationships with supportive
friends and loved ones in the future.
Positive
and healthy sexuality
Relationships are complicated no matter what sexual orientation
you are. As you start to develop relationships, you may be unsure
about your sexuality or just more curious about it. That's perfectly
normal. Some people don't figure out this aspect of their identity
until their 30s or later! One of the things you can do now though
is allow yourself time to explore your sexual orientation at your
own pace. Be honest with your feelings.
|
