Below is a list of threads in the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Support section that have been deemed helpful or important. Because there are so many, we've put links to them together in one thread, rather than having a bunch of stickies at the top of this section. We will post in this thread every time a thread is added to the list, so you don't need to constantly check for updates; just check the date of the most recent post in this thread. Be sure to check the stickies in other sections of the forum for more useful advice and information. If you want to suggest any threads that could be added, please post in Ask The Staff pointing us to the thread you found useful. Spoiler: Questioning Sexuality Questioning Sexuality What is Sexuality? Sexual attraction is how attracted to someone you are. It is natural to be confused about your sexuality or need time to work out who you are. Some people know who they’re attracted to from a young age. For other people, it’s not as simple and can take some time to work out. Questioning your Sexuality There are many labels that describe who you’re attracted to, and maybe you have spent a lot of time thinking about your sexual orientation, or maybe you haven’t given it much thought. It is not known what causes someone to be LGBT, though it has probably started at a young age. You may not have had sexual feelings, but you may have had feelings of who you were attracted to. During puberty, you have lots of emotions and sexual feelings. It’s normal for girls to be attracted to girls; and boys to be attracted to boys in a sexual way. Some people realise they prefer people of the opposite sex, while others prefer people of the same sex. It can help to talk to other people who are going through the same thing. If there are groups in your area for LGBT people you can find others advertised through clinics, pharmacies, youth groups, newspapers, or the internet. Should I tell people? If you are not sure how you feel about your sexuality, there is no hurry to tell people. Coming out should be an individual decision, and it is important to do it your way, in your own time. Bullied for being LGBT Some people do not understand that being LGBT is normal. Bullying can take many forms including stares, looks, whispers, threats, and violence. If you’re bullied because you are LGBT, tell someone you trust. This could be a teacher, friend, your parents, or a helpline. Spoiler: Navigating Sex as a Transgender Person Navigating Sex as a Transgender Person Sex can be a scary thought for many people, but especially for transgender people. It’s completely normal to have adverse feelings towards sexual intimacy, especially if there’s gender dysphoria involved. When dating, it’s important to set boundaries and communicate to your partner what you are and are not comfortable with. Sex should be enjoyable for both parties. Some things you may want to communicate with your partner is what language you prefer to use for body parts, pronouns, or what’s off-limits if you don’t want certain areas touched. For cisgender people, it’s important to educate yourself on what a transgender person may be feeling, or ask your transgender partner what they prefer and if they have any boundaries. It’s important to remember that just because one transgender person prefers one thing, does not mean all transgender people prefer the same. If you have dated a transgender person in the past, it is always advised that you ask the person what makes them comfortable. Spoiler: Religion & Sexuality Being LGBT and Christian: A write-up about why it's much easier to reconcile being gay and Christian than you might expect. Re: The bible tells me being gay is wrong and now I just don't know what to do.....: A retort to the argument that the Bible says being gay is wrong. LGBT People of Faith Religion, Faith & Values Trevor Project - Religion Q&As Spoiler: Sexuality & Mental Health Sexuality and Mental Health LGBT & Mental Health LGBT Mental Health Resources Spoiler: General Sexuality On becoming "less of a man": Addressing concerns about masculinity/femininity when considering coming out. Spoiler: Support & Suicide Prevention EmptyClosets Individual Support The Trevor Project: Information on a website aiming to prevent suicide for LGBT youth. Crisis Text Line Pride Counseling Better Help Healthy Place *Updated December 2021
