If you are unsure of your sexual orientation, how do you figure yourself out?
Signed,
Ava, 13, Washington DC

Ava,

 

Thank you for sharing your question. Questioning sexual orientation is natural and identifying as Lesbian (female attracted to another female), Gay (homosexual, primarily males attracted to other males), or Bisexual (individuals attracted to both the same and opposite sex) is also natural and normal. 

 

Figuring out one's sexual orientation occurs differently for everyone. Some of us are certain of our sexuality from an early age, while others struggle with it well into adulthood. It may be challenging for a person who is attracted to another person of the same sex to openly discuss his or her feelings due to concerns surrounding peer rejection and family disapproval, for instance. 

 

It is not necessary to engage in sexual activity with another person to determine one's sexual orientation. One may consider attraction, crushes and the people he or she fantasizes being with. 

 

One may obtain more resources in the DC area by visiting The DC Center for the LGBT Community via the following link: http://thedccenter.org/index.html. Also, the Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League (SMYAL) website (http://smyal.org/index.php) may offer further direction for obtaining support as one comes to understand his or her sexual orientation. 

 

I encourage you or anyone else uncertain of his or her sexual orientation to discuss your questions with someone you trust--a friend, parent, relative, tahcer, or school counselor. Also, remember, we are always here for you! Please feel free to use The Trevor Lifeline @ 866-4-U-TREVOR, TrevorChat, and TrevorSpace any time. 

 

Sincerely,

The Trevor Project