Am I gay?

Your sexuality will influence your choice of sexual partner and the type of sex you seek. It will also influence your thoughts and feelings regarding sex and your sexuality.

How does sexuality develop?

Your sexuality develops from birth but most of us become consciously aware of our sexuality in our early teenage years.

Am I normal?

It is perfectly natural to have sexual attractions to the same sex as you, some people are gay or lesbians, some people aren’t. But your sexual attraction to others doesn’t say whether you are normal or not. You are great just the way you are.

How many types of sexuality are there?

Very generally speaking there are three types of sexual preference, gay (men and women), bisexual and heterosexual:

- Gay men and women, also called Lesbians, are sexually attracted to people of the same gender.
- Bisexual men and women are attracted to either gender.
- Heterosexual people are attracted to people of the opposite gender.

These three 'boxes' are by no means exclusive! People can freely identify themselves in a number of different ways: Queer, Pansexual, Asexual, Gender-Queer and more.

What makes me gay?

There is no one clear reason why some people are the way we are. A number of factors are suggested including:

- It is innate (we are born lesbian or gay)
- Genetic or hormonal factors
- A result of our childhood and parenting
- A result of the society and culture we grow up in

All are fiercely debated, with the nature vs. nurture argument raging on continuously among the different sexualities.

Can I stop being gay?

We would suggest it is not possible to change your sexuality and not a good idea to try. It would be far more beneficial for you to explore the reasons why you are so unhappy with your sexuality.

Pregnancy and STI’s

If you are having sex with someone of the same sex there is no risk of pregnancy. STI’s however do not discriminate and all care should be taken. If you are a boy and having anal sex, it is strongly advised to always wear a condom, often gay men are more prone to picking up some STI’s such as HIV.

Women who have sex with women are at a far less risk of STI’s transmission, but be sensible and use a dam over the genitals for oral sex if appropriate.

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