Sexuality
Sexuality means whether you fancy boys, girls or both. Your feelings can be confusing, but this is normal.
People become aware of their sexual feelings at different times. Some people know when they are very young how they feel and whether they fancy boys, girls or both and if they are happy with their gender. For other people it is not so simple and they might be confused about how they feel. It's really normal to feel like this and lots of young people worry about their sexuality, especially around the time of puberty.
I'm having lots of sexual thoughts and feelings, is this normal?
It's normal to have sexual thoughts and feelings, especially during puberty when your body is changing. It can be confusing and strange at first but it isn't unusual. Your feelings should calm down after while when your body adjusts to the changes. Find out more about sex.
Am I gay?
It can be confusing if you find you're attracted to people of the same sex. Being gay can mean as much or as little as you like. Some people know they're gay from an early age, while many others aren't so certain, or get mixed up about admiring someone and fancying them.
What's important is that you feel able to talk about your sexuality in a safe environment, and learn to be happy with who you are. Nobody can tell you whether you should fancy boys, girls, or both. That's your decision.
Should I come out?
Coming out means being open about being attracted to people of the same sex, and telling other people. It can be scary telling your family or friends about how you feel, but your sexuality is a personal choice and it is part of the person you are. They might be surprised or shocked initially, but this doesn't mean that they won't be supportive. However, be prepared that they may not ever be supportive at all.
If you know you're gay or lesbian, only you can decide if and when the time is right to tell people about it. If you don't feel able to turn to a parent/carer or a close friend first, you can call us to talk about your feelings at any time.
People can sometimes react badly if you tell them that you are gay. They might be verbally and/or physically abusive to you People react badly usually due to their ignorance and fears about sexuality.
If you experience any kind of abuse or problems because you are gay, or have questions or worries about your feelings, you can talk to us about them. If you talk to us, we can help you.