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Lifestyle :: Sexuality
This section is intended to offer some informal advice about gender
orientation, sexuality, coming out and lifestyle choices.
Gay, bisexual :: what does it mean?
Being gay or bisexual means, in simple terms, that you are physically
and emotionally attracted to people of the same sex as you. Nobody
chooses their sexuality and despite sexuality being only one aspect
of an individual's being, to be gay or even bisexual is certainly not
always without its problems.
Prejudice and homophobia still abound in society and because the general
expectations of most cultures define sexuality and gender as normal
only when they involve heterosexual males and females forming bonds
together, life and sexual identity are still not as straightforward
for a gay person as they are for a straight one. But society is changing
through a combination of tolerance and legislation.
For anyone who is gay or bisexual and 'out' or who is struggling to
keep their sexuality a secret, perhaps some of the advice in this section
and across the site in general will help you to find support, information
and advice about gay issues and problems. Perhaps you are a young person
who is confused by what seem to be 'unconventional' sexual feelings
for people of your own gender. You may be a parent, friend or partner
of a gay or bisexual person or someone who is working toward ensuring
less prejudice and more inclusivity for gay, lesbian and bisexual people.
How do you know if you're gay?
Nobody is born knowing
who they are, let alone whether they're gay, straight or whatever.
Some people are largely attracted to people the
same sex as themselves - they are gay or lesbian. Other people
are attracted to both men and women to varying degrees - they are
bisexual (see this separate page).
Your sexuality, (sexual orientation, sexual
identity) can change with time, or can be unsure, so take your time
to confirm who you really are.
At some point in their life, most people feel drawn
to someone of their own sex. But finding someone attractive doesn't
mean
you're
gay. For many, these
feelings are just part of normal sexual development and many go on
to have staight relationships.
What if these feelings don't go away but get stronger?
Please have a look at the help and advice section,
particularly the
coming out guide. This discusses
the often confusing emotions people experience as the come to terms
with who they really are.
Stereotypes
Homophobia
Homo means 'Man' in Latin, but the word 'Homophobia'
is derived from the Greek (as is 'Homosexual' which roughly means 'attracted
to the same' and not 'attracted to men'). Therefore 'homo'
in homophobia indicates sameness or similarity. So although, in reality,
it's a bastardised word which
has been cobbled together to indicate a fear of homosexuals; you could
also take it to mean a 'fear of sex with the same sex'.
Support in your workplace
Support in your community
page: lifestyle :: about.htm
updated: 2 Aug 05
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