Sexual Identity

• Many people know from very young who they’re attracted to and the kinds of relationships they want to have. For others, it is an ongoing process of discovery that changes throughout their life.
• The way you define your sexual identity can be the same all your life or might change as you get older. Some people choose not to define their sexuality at all.
• Just because you define your sexual identity one way now, it doesn’t mean you can’t define yourself another way later on. This doesn’t mean you’re ‘confused’ or ‘choosing’. It just means you’re still learning about yourself, who you are attracted to and the kinds of relationships that feel right to you.
• It’s normal to question your sexual identity, no matter how you identify. Feelings of uncertainty, confusion, and curiosity are a normal ongoing part of trying to understand who you are. For many people, this uncertainty is created by cultures, religions and people that believe sexual identity is a ‘choice’ or assume that being straight is ‘normal’.
• But it is important to know that sexuality is NOT a choice. It varies from person-to-person and is a natural part of who you are. Everyone has the right to feel comfortable and to be accepted for who they are. Feeling comfortable to be yourself is important to your wellbeing.

• The bodies and gender(s) of people you are attracted to, have sexual thoughts about, or experiment with doesn’t automatically define your sexuality.
• You don’t have to be dating or sexually active to know your sexual identity. You might be dating or sexually active and still not feel sure about your sexual identity.
• You might have emotional and romantic feelings for people, but no sexual attraction or sexual interest in anyone, and this is ok too.

For some people, trying to make sense of their sexual identity can be confronting, confusing and emotionally difficult. For many LGB+ people, these feelings are usually caused by homophobia or biphobia and are common when the attractions and relationships you have are not commonly accepted in your community.

For others, understanding their sexual identity, being themselves, and being around others like them is usually liberating and exciting.

We all have the right to be ourselves without needing to explain or justify this to anyone. Feeling pressure to hide who you are attracted to can feel very stressful. Like anyone that feels unable to be themselves, this can be stressful and lead to mental and physical health problems.