Relationships

Sexuality

LGBT – Isn’t that a sandwich?

LGBT stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender and relates to a person’s sexuality.

As a young person, it’s completely natural to question your sexuality, and if you feel you fall into the LGBT category there are all sorts of thoughts and feelings to get your head around. You might come across people who don’t understand what you’re going through or who believe it’s wrong to be anything other than ‘straight’.

It’s not wrong to be different from your friends or those around you and you’re certainly not alone if you think you are LGBT or are questioning your sexuality. Around 10% of the population is gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender so you might find that in your class of 30 at school or college there could be two others who feel the same as you.

So what does it all mean...?

Sexual orientation – A combination of emotional, romantic, sexual or affectionate attraction to another person.

Gender orientation – A person’s feelings of how they see themselves inside, even if it different to their physical appearance outside

Lesbian – A female who has an emotional or sexual attraction towards women.

Gay – A man who has an emotional or sexual attraction towards men. Also a generic term to describe both lesbian and gay sexuality.

Bisexual – Having an attraction to both men and women or a changeable sexual and emotional attraction to people of the same or opposite sex.

Transgender – A person whose behaviour, thoughts or traits, differ from society’s expectations for their sex. It covers cross-dressers, transsexuals and intersex individuals (those with biological characteristics of both male and female sexes).

Homophobia – A hatred or fear of people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

Still confused?

You should never be ashamed of your sexuality or be afraid if your feelings change – sexuality isn’t genetic and it can change over time.

You’re not alone with what you’re feeling or going through. For more information, advice and support on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues or if you’re questioning your sexuality, see below:

Info, help and support…

Young LGBT people meet each week in a safe and friendly environment. For more details, or to chat confidentially, please contact Anthony – LGBT Worker on (01642) 254598 or 07826 311216 (mobile), or you can email: anthony@teessidepositiveaction.org.uk

NATIONAL LESBIAN AND GAY SWITCHBOARD

Tel: 020 7 837 7324 (24 hours)