Am I Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual or Transgender?
Some people know they are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender from early childhood. For others, realizing a GLB sexual orientation or transgender identity happens much later. So are you gay? That's for you to determine!
Questioning Your Sexual Orientation
It is perfectly normal for teens to question their sexual orientation. It is also normal for teens to have sexual feelings for same and opposite gender partners. These feelings may be an indication of someone's sexual orientation, or they may not. Only time will tell.
Read More:
- Quiz: "Am I Gay?"
- Quiz: "Am I a Lesbian?"
- Quiz: "Am I Bisexual?"
- Quiz: "Am I Transgender?"
- Is Being Gay a Choice?
- What Causes Sexual Orientation?
- Being Gay Curious
Questions to Ask Yourself
If you think you might be gay or lesbian, here are some things to ask yourself:
- Who do you usually have crushes on? Is it mainly someone of the same gender?
- Do you imagine relationships with someone of the same gender?
- If you dated or had a sexual experience with someone of the opposite gender, how did it make you feel?
- If you dated or had a sexual experience with someone of the same gender, how did it make you feel?
If you think you might be bisexual, you can ask yourself these questions:
- Do you feel strongly attracted to people of both genders?
- Do you think you could have a sexual or romantic relationship with either males or females?
If you think you might be transgender or transsexual, ask yourself:
- How do you feel about your assigned gender?
- Do you feel like your body matches the way you feel about being male or female?
- Do you feel comfortable with labels like "male" and "female?"
- If you have a male body, do you wish it was female? If you have a female body, do you wish it was male?
- Do you want to chance your body so that it physically matches how you feel inside?
- Do you sometimes feel like you are "trapped" in the wrong body?
Asking yourself these types of questions can be helpful, but don't worry if you don't know the answers right now.
Remember, there is no one way to be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. Though some people use stereotypes to try and determine sexual orientation in themselves and others, this isn't really effective.
Read More:
- Am I Transgender or Transsexual?
- If a Girl Kisses Another Girl is She a Lesbian?
- Can a Teen Be Gay?
- Does a Same Sex Sex Dream Make Me Gay?
Talking to Someone You Trust
You might want to talk to someone you trust about your feelings. Some teens talk to:
- A GLBT friend or relative.
- A straight friend or relative
- A therapist
- A teacher or guidance counselor
- An anonymous hot line
- An online forum
You can find more information about getting help in the article "Finding Support for Gay Teens." You should also check out the the GLBT Teens Community Forum. This is a great place to connect with other young people who have suimilar questions.
