Coming to terms with your sexuality
From the moment we are born into a certain culture, we adopt its norms and values; we are raised to think that we should fit a certain mould. For most of us, our culture tells us that we should adopt specific roles, we should be attracted to the opposite sex and that boys and girls should look, feel and act a particular way.
For most of us, the idea that we might be attracted to someone of the same sex isn’t something that is discussed and we are not told that we might fall in love with someone who is same sex.
Everyone is different in some way – we all look different, we all have different tastes in music, television, art etc. There’s not a fail safe guide to coming out, but one of the first steps – and usually one of the hardest – is coming out to yourself. Some people area aware that they are different from when they hit puberty, but for other people the discovery may come later on in life. Many people suspect that they might be lesbian, gay, bi or transsexual, but often they find it difficult to come to terms with.
People often feel a range of emotions, including confusion, anger, vulnerability, fear and relief. Just remember that it takes time and that there are people out there who feel the same way, and others who have been through it and survived.
Some people feel comfortable that they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transsexual and are able to come out straight away, whereas for other people it can take longer. There is no rush, and no fixed timetable which you need to stick to – just try and accept yourself for who you are.
