This is often called " coming out. They feel comfortable about being attracted to someone of the same gender. But not everyone has the same good support systems. Even though there is growing acceptance for LGBT people, many teens don't have adults they can talk to about sexual orientation. Some live in communities or families where being gay is not accepted or respected.
People who feel they need to hide who they are or who fear discrimination or violence can be at greater risk for emotional problems like anxiety and depression.
Some LGBT teens without support systems can be at higher risk for dropping out of school, living on the streets, using alcohol and drugs, and trying to harm themselves. Everyone has times when they worry about things like school, college, sports, or friends and fitting in. In addition to these common worries, LGBT teens have an extra layer of things to think about, like whether they have to hide who they are.
This doesn't happen to all gay teens, of course. Many gay and lesbian teens and their families have no more difficulties than anyone else. For people of all sexual orientations, learning about sex and relationships can be difficult. It can help to talk to someone about the confusing feelings that go with growing up — whether that someone is a parent or other family member, a close friend or sibling, or a school counselor. It's not always easy to find somebody to talk to.
But many people find that confiding in someone they trust even if they're not completely sure how that person will react turns out to be a positive experience. In many communities, youth groups can provide opportunities for LGBT teens to talk to others who are facing similar issues. Psychologists, psychiatrists, family doctors, and trained counselors can help them cope — confidentially and privately — with the difficult feelings that go with their developing sexuality.
They also help people find ways to deal with any peer pressure, harassment, and bullying they might face. Whether gay, straight, bisexual, or just not sure, almost everyone has questions about physically maturing and about sexual health — like if certain body changes are "normal," what's the right way to behave, or how to avoid sexually transmitted infections STIs. It's important to find a doctor, nurse, counselor, or other knowledgeable adult to be able to discuss these issues with.
In the United States, and throughout much of the world, attitudes about sexual orientation have been changing. Although not everyone is comfortable with the idea of sexual orientation differences and there's still plenty of prejudice around, being gay is getting to be less of a "big deal" than it used to be. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. Some people are attracted to the same sex.
These people are homosexual. Around 10 per cent of young Australians experience same-sex attraction, most during puberty. The Better Health Channel has more information on lesbian sexuality and gay male sexuality. Sexuality can be more complicated than being straight or gay. Some people are attracted to both men and women, and are known as bisexual. Bisexual does not mean the attraction is evenly weighted — a person may have stronger feelings for one gender than another.
And this can vary depending on who they meet. There are different kinds of bisexuality. Some people who are attracted to men and women still consider themselves to be mainly straight or gay. Or they might have sexual feelings towards both genders but only have intercourse with one. Other people see sexual attraction as more grey than black and white. These people find everyday labels too rigid. There are many differences between individuals, so bisexuality is a general term only. Asexuality is not a choice, like abstinence where someone chooses not to have sex with anyone, whether they are attracted to them or not.
Asexuality is a sexual orientation, like homosexuality or heterosexuality. Some people may strongly identify with being asexual, except for a few infrequent experiences of sexual attraction grey-asexuality. Some people feel sexual attraction only after they develop a strong emotional bond with someone this is known as demisexuality.
Other people experience asexuality in a range of other ways. Equality and freedom from discrimination are fundamental human rights that belong to all people.
In most states in Australia, including Victoria, it is against the law to discriminate against someone because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or lawful sexual activity. However, discrimination can still occur. If you think you have been discriminated against or victimised because of your sexuality or a range of other reasons contact the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.
For information on the legal obligations of employers regarding discrimination based on sexual identity, see the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission webpage on equal opportunity practice guidelines. LGBTI people have an increased risk of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, homelessness, self-harming and suicidal thoughts, compared with the general population. This is particularly true of young LGBTI people who are coming to terms with their sexuality and experiencing victimisation and bullying at school.
These pressures are on top of all the other stuff people have to deal with in life such as managing school, finding a job, forming relationships and making sense of your identity and place in the world.
If you are worried that someone you know has a mental health problem, look out for changes in their mood, behaviour, relationships, appetite, sleep patterns, coping and thinking. If these changes last more than a couple of weeks, talk to them about getting help. People use a few common labels to identify their sexuality. The important thing is that you choose what label feels comfortable, or you choose no label at all. You might find, like many others have, that the label you choose changes over time.
Attracted mostly to people of the same sex or gender refers to guys — and often to girls, too. Attracted to romantic and sexual partners of any gender, sex or sexual identity. Attracted to romantic and sexual partners of many but not all genders, sexes or sexual identities. Being young is a time for figuring out what works for you. Exploring and managing strong feelings is often part of the experience. Whatever is going on, questioning and exploring your sexual identity can be confusing and scary.
You might be worried about how the people you love will react, or what it means for your future. This way, you can share your thoughts on sexuality and what it means to you with the people closest to you. If someone reacts negatively, be patient but remember that you can walk away. You never have to deal with this kind of treatment from others on your own.
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