What am I?

Published Letter #1423 - Posted in , , , .

Question:

I don’t know if I’m genderqueer, transgender, bisexual, or gay. Sometimes I feel like I should be a guy, sometimes I’m okay being a girl. I kind of sorta like a girl I think right now, but I’m also attracted to men. I don’t see myself having sex with girls, but I can see myself dating them? Is that normal? I’m so confused. I’ve just always figured I’m straight, but lately, I’m not so sure.

 

Answer:

Hi there, all your feelings and questions on sexual orientation and gender identity are complete valid and normal to feel as you figure yourself out. At the end of the day, labels don’t define who you are, it’s who you are as a person that truly matters. Trying to fit into a label can only confuse you more, so just remember that you can date – or be – a girl or a guy, and it would be normal and who you are.

Being gay means being attracted to someone of the same gender, while being transgender means feeling as though you are the opposite gender. For more information on being a gay, visit http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=730&Itemid=177 , and to find out what it means to be transgender, visit  http://www.glaad.org/transgender?gclid=COGxhfbzz7QCFY5lOgodMh0AZw,  Bisexuality means being attracted romantically to both genders, and you can find out more info on what it means to be bisexual at http://www.bisexual.org. Genderqueer is an umbrella term of being ambiguous of gender.

While it may be difficult, it also helps to talk about it in person with someone. You could talk to a friend, parent, school counselor, someone you trust and feel comfortable with. You can also visit TrevorSpace by going back to the Trevor Project’s home page. It’s the Trevor Project’s safe, online social networking site for LGBTQ young people ages 13 to 24 their friends and allies. It’s a great supportive community where you can connect with others who might have had or are having the same questions that you’re having about your sexuality/gender identity. We here at the Trevor Project will always be here for you as you figure yourself out. We’re here at  The Trevor Lifeline at 866-4-U-TREVOR, TrevorChat, and TrevorSpace.