Everyone's sexuality is different. Sexuality is made up of lots of different components, including our self image, social relationships, sensuality, emotions, spirituality, political identity and our sexual practices.*
Sexual orientation relates to who people find attractive. Some people from an early age are very sure of their sexual orientation, but it’s not unusual for someone to be less sure, or feel that their sexual orientation changes over time. These are the words that are used to describe sexual orientation:
Straight: describes someone who is emotionally and sexually attracted to people of the opposite gender (also called heterosexual).
Gay: describes someone who is emotionally and sexually attracted to people of the same gender. Some women prefer to call themselves gay women rather than lesbian, although the word gay is most often used about men.
Lesbian: describes a woman who is emotionally and sexually attracted to other women.
Bisexual: describes someone who is emotionally and sexually attracted to both women and men.
Lots of people are sure about who they fancy, and are very happy with their sexuality, other people may not be sure, and may find it difficult. Some people may be worried about how others will react to their sexuality.
There are lots of organisations that offer advice and support around sexual orientation There are lots of organisations that offer advice and support around sexual orientation, including support for families who have a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender family member.
Parent's Enquiry Scotland offers support to parents of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender children across Scotland through a network of confidential Helplines. For further information, call their helpline on 0131 556 6047, or visit their website at http://www.parentsenquiryscotland.org/
LGBT Youth Scotland offers advice, support and youth groups for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people. For more information, visit their website on http://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/
Lothian Gay and Lesbian Switchboard offer advice and support to all on issues around sexuality. Their main Helpline telephone number is 0131 556 4049, and is open every night of the week from 7.30pm until 10.00pm.
*Source: Painter & Adams (2005) Making hard things easier. Sheffield Centre for HIV and Sexual Health.