Am I LGBTQIA?

Question: Am I  LGBTQIA?

Are you gay? Only you can answer the question, "Am I Gay?" Here is some information for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender teens on figuring out the answer.

Answer:

Some people know they are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender from early childhood. For others, realizing a GLB sexual orientation or transgender identity happens much later. So are you gay? That's for you to determine!

It is perfectly normal for teens to question their sexual orientation. It is also normal for teens to have sexual feelings for same and opposite gender partners. These feelings may be an indication of someone's sexual orientation, or they may not. Only time will tell.

Read More:

• Is Being Gay a Choice?
• What Causes Sexual Orientation?

If you think you might be gay or lesbian, here are some things to ask yourself:

• Who do you usually have crushes on? Is it mainly someone of the same gender?
• Do you imagine relationships with someone of the same gender?
• If you dated or had a sexual experience with someone of the opposite gender, how did it make you feel?
• If you dated or had a sexual experience with someone of the same gender, how did it make you feel?

If you think you might be bisexual, you can ask yourself these questions:

• Do you feel strongly attracted to people of both genders?
• Do you think you could have a sexual or romantic relationship with either males or females?

If you think you might be transgender or transsexual, ask yourself:

• How do you feel about your assigned gender?
• Do you feel like your body matches the way you feel about being male or female?
• Do you feel comfortable with labels like "male" and "female?"

Asking yourself these types of questions can be helpful, but don't worry if you don't know the answers right now.

Remember, there is no one way to be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. Though some people use stereotypes to try and determine sexual orientation in themselves and others, this isn't really effective.

Read More:

• If a Girl Kisses Another Girl is She a Lesbian?
• Can a Teen Be Gay?
• Does a Same Sex Sex Dream Make Me Gay?

You might want to talk to someone you trust about your feelings. Some teens talk to:

• A LGBT friend or relative.
• A straight friend or relative
• A therapist
• A teacher or guidance counselor
• An anonymous hot line
• An online forum

You can find more information about getting help in the article "Finding Support for LGBT Teens."