Same sex relationships
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, government, churches and 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 per cent 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. 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 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 Queensland Association for Healthy Communities on 1800 177 434 or 07 3017 1777. Guys can contact the QAHC Men’s Sexual Health Line on 1800 155 141.
- For emergency accommodation information and support, call Open Doors on 07 3257-7660 for resources, social support and counselling for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people aged between 12 to 18 years.
- Contact Gay and Lesbian Welfare Association on 07 3017 1717 or 1800 184 527 for LGBT telephone counselling (7pm to 10pm).
- Parents with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) children can contact PFlag on 07 3017 1739.
- 2qt 2b str8 Logan LGBT support groups for 16 to19 and 20 to 25 year olds in the Logan and Beenleigh areas. Phone 07 3826 1500, or email yfs@yfs.org.au.