Sexuality and Gender Identity

LGBTQ is an acronym that consists of both sexualities and genders (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer).

A person’s sexuality does not determine their gender and vice versa. Sexual Identity is about who we are romantically or sexually attracted to, whilst our gender identity is our psychological sex (how we feel and think of ourselves). Our Sexuality might be heterosexual, lesbian, gay, bisexual, or pansexual.

Some Definitions

There are lots of different types of sexuality, below are some definitions that you may feel you can relate to although this is not a complete list and more definitions can be found using the Childline link.

Heterosexual: when we are attracted to the opposite sex

• Gay: men who are attracted to men.
• Lesbian: women who are attracted to women
• Bisexual: attraction to more than one gender.
• Pansexual: attraction to people regardless of their gender
• Cisgender (cis): people whose sex and gender match (the opposite of trans)
• Asexual: a person who experiences little or no sexual attraction
• Queer: a fluid term used by some to refer to LGBT people.

Sexuality

As we grow up it is natural for us to begin to explore our sexuality. we may start becoming more curious about sex or the changes that happen to our bodies during puberty. We may also begin to start dating and having relationships.

As we begin to explore relationships, many people may feel unsure about their sexuality. They may be unsure about who they are attracted to or find that their sexuality changes over time. This is all okay and if this is something you are experiencing it is good to talk to someone you trust about your feelings.

Gender Identity

Our gender identity can include the image of our internal self, pronouns, how we choose to dress, wearing make-up and jewelry.

Our gender identity might be male or female, but it might be:

• Non-Binary: people who don’t identify as male or female.
• Transgender (Trans): a term for everybody whose gender differs from the sex/gender that they were assigned at birth.
• Trans can feel split between their internal and external selves.
• Our pronouns might be they/them, ze/hir, E/Em, she/her, or he/him.

Have you ever questioned your Sexuality or your Gender identity?

We live in a heteronormative society, which means there is an assumption that everyone is heterosexual.

So if you are not heterosexual and you are questioning your sexuality or your gender, it might leave you feeling isolated as you might not be able to talk to anyone.

‘Coming out’ may not be that easy; if you are not sure if you know that this will not be accepted by family or friends.