Sexuality and same sex attraction

People have a wide range of attitudes to sexuality and what is “normal” or OK. These varying attitudes are expressed in the mixed messages we get about sexuality from family members and friends, from government and the churches and from what appears in the media. With all these attitudes and some conflicting messages, sexuality can sometimes be confusing, particularly if you find yourself attracted to someone of the same sex. If you are sexually attracted to people of the same sex, you aren't alone. Some studies suggest that up to ten percent of people are sexually attracted to people of the same sex.

If people are physically, emotionally and sexually attracted to people of the same sex, they are often described as homosexual, gay, queer or lesbian. If people are attracted to both men and women, they are often described as bisexual. However if you are experiencing same sex attraction feelings you don’t have to identify as any of the above. Some people don’t feel comfortable labelling their sexuality and that is OK too.

Your sexuality is an important part of who you are. Your experiences and associated emotions as you develop relationships will help you discover more about your sexuality.

Coming out

If you’re attracted to people of the same sex or both men and women, you could be afraid of letting others know. Telling others about same sex attraction is often called ‘coming out’. Telling someone you trust can be an important step but you should make sure you have thought everything through, feel comfortable about discussing these issues and are aware of some of the reactions that you may encounter.

You might be afraid of harassment, discrimination, rejection, being abused or kicked out of home for coming out – these are legitimate fears. While you may find support and understanding from your parents and friends, other people may react in unexpected ways. However, some people find that once they have come out, they don’t feel so isolated and can be more honest with people. Coming out can provide opportunities to meet and gain support from other people who are also exploring their sexuality or are attracted to the same sex.

While discrimination based on sexual preference is common in Australia, you don’t have to put up with it. Nobody deserves violence or harassment. If you are harassed about your sexuality, you should tell someone in authority such as a teacher, school nurse, youth worker or a police officer.

More info

• Feel good about yourself
• If you feel discriminated against because of your sexual identity, you can make a complaint through the Anti-Discrimination Commission of Queensland on freecall 1300 130 670.
• For information about health services that provide non discriminatory services in your area contact 1800 177 434 or Brisbane 3017 1777 or visit the : Queensland Association for Healthy Communities (QAHC) website.
• Guys can also contact the QAHC Men’s Sexual Health Line on 1800 155 141.
• For emergency accommodation and support call Open Doors on (07) 3257-7660 or visit their website. Open Doors also provides resources, social support and counselling for 12 – 18 year old lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) young people.
• Gay and Lesbian Welfare Association: LGBT counselling phone service available almost everyday between 7pm-10pm on 07 3252 2997 or 1800 184 527. Their website also has social groups and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community contacts http://www.glwa.org.au
• PFlag provides support for parents with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) children. Contact them by phone Mon-Wed: 9am-12pm 07 3017 1739, visit their website or email: pflagbris@hotmail.com
• 2qt 2b str8 Logan LGBT support groups for 16 to19 and 20 to 25 year olds in the Logan and Beenleigh areas. Phone 07 3208 8199, SMS 0403 587 708 or email 2QT2BSTR8@yfs.org.au