• Home
  • The Mag
  • Health & Life
  • Take Action
  • Forum
  • Get Involved
Join SpunOut.ie
Find Help
Sign Up

Sexuality

Understanding sexual identity.

Article by : SpunOut.ie

What is sexuality? 

Sexuality is about how you think, act and feel. Part of your sexuality is your sexual identity. This is decided by what sex you fancy (boys or girls) or if you fancy both. During puberty and our teen years we start to explore our sexuality and to figure out what we like.

You might feel unsure about your sexuality or who you find attractive might change during your life. Your sexual identity is something you should take time to decide about: what you like and feel comfortable with is different for everyone. 

Some people may know from a very young age that they are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender and others may be confused about their sexuality right into adulthood. Working out whether you are gay, lesbian, bi or straight can be confusing. You don’t have to tell your friends anything about your sexuality or who you fancy unless you want to, but remember it does help to talk.

Coming out as LGBT can be a hugely positive experience – a liberating time, when you embrace your sexuality.  Telling friends or family is not always easy but if you choose someone you trust, the chances are they will be supportive. Whatever your sexual identity, remember it is only one part of your life; so embrace how you are feeling and enjoy being individual! 

It is important that you feel comfortable with your sexuality. If you want to talk to someone about sexuality, contact:

 

Find more information and support:

BeLonG To
Web: www.Belongto.org Phone: 01-873 4184 Online support: https://belongto.org/support.aspx
Supporting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) young people.

Further links to LGBT support and information in Ireland: https://belongto.org/article.aspx?articleid=118

 

 



Your Comments

Posted by : happygirl - 25 days ago

this is to ihaveabrokenface u jus set them down and tell them, they will under stand it tell them u r happy and u wish them to b happy 4 u too and theyll understand u

Posted by : happygirl - 25 days ago

i think the network is brilliant i came out to my mum when i was 14 and its the best thing id done if any one is hesatating to come out really come out i jus told my friends a week ago that i was bi and i thought they would disown me buh they never they loved it and ur true friend will never turn there bk to u

Posted by : sympathetic_heart-16 - 10 days ago

I absolutely 100% agree with the fact that every single person is individual. No one should judge people by their sexuality... It's just wrong! I'm going to visit the LGBT website soon. I've been seeing it in alot of magazines I've been reading, and I haven't had the chance to see their website. Great job on this article. And, I have to agree with thriving_fire: no one is truly 100% hetrosexual, homosexual or lesbian...

Posted by : paulkernan - 19 days ago

Informative video... Well done Belong2. New LGBT youth drop-in to be launched in County Donegal very soon. It will be based in Letterkenny and supported by Belong2. Keep up the good work!

Posted by : ihaveabrokenface - 13 days ago

how are you suposed to tell your parents that you are gay?

Posted by : bountyboy - 16 days ago

I came out to my parents recently and it was the best decision I ever made. This website has been a massive help to me.

Posted by : pointer - 04 days ago

Love this section of the website. Man where was this site 5 years ago?? I think ye guys hit the nail on the head.

Posted by : asterix - 03 days ago

When I was growing up, confusion about my sexuality was so mindblowing, felt ashamed, lonely, isolated. Now im in my early twenties im so sorry that I didn't come out to myself sooner, because thats the hardest thing of all to do. in a position now where half my friends know while the other half don't, and neither does my family. Its like im two completely different people. If I had known then what I know know maybe things would have been different.

Posted by : thriving fire - 03 days ago

*applauds* all this is spot-on, methinks... Though I think its important to point out that in general, one's sexuality isn't setin stone. It's fluid and can change, and very rarely will you find someone who is 100% straight or gay or whatever... Just thought I'd say :)

Posted by : maxbaby - 24 days ago

There is also a a gay youth group in cork run under the Cork gay community development project. www.gayyouthcork.com

Login to leave a comment on this article

Login | Sign Up