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Sexual Identity

 

What is sexual identity?

 
     
 
When talking about sexual identity the terms that are most commonly used are straight, gay, lesbian, or bi-sexual.
  
     
Your sexual identity can be described as how you see yourself in terms of who you are attracted to be it sexually or romantically. When talking about sexual identity the terms that are most commonly used are straight, gay, lesbian, or bi-sexual. You may also hear terms such as hetro-sexual which is used to describe someone who is attracted to the opposite sex or homosexual which is someone who is attracted to the same sex. Bi-sexuality is a term used to describe a person who is attracted to both sexes.
 
We understand that growing up can be a difficult time and that a young person may have lots of feelings around who they are attracted to and what sexuality they might be. Along with these feelings a person may feel other things such as worry about telling friends or family. We believe that you have a right to talk about all of the feelings that come with your sexual identity with someone that you trust. This might be an adult relation, a parent or a teacher.
 
     
 
Sexuality can be different for everyone.
  
     
Sexuality can be different for everyone. Some people believe that sexuality is not a constant thing and that it can change throughout your life. This means you could have feelings for the opposite sex at one time in your life and that might change a few years later. Again this is something that you do not have to face alone and you are not alone in having these feelings. There are lots of organisations out there that can offer you support and guidance during this time in your life. We have listed some of them below:
You can also contact Childline by phone, text or through our website. The phone line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week  and the number is 1800 666 666.You can talk to us by text by contacting our Teentxt service and this is open 10am-4am daily, all you have to do is text the word ‘Talk’ to 50101. Alternatively you can chat to us live on the One to One facility on our website.