sex
GENDER &
SEXUALITY If you think gender and sexuality are one and the same thing, you’d be wrong. Check out our guide
T
he concepts gender and sex are often used interchangeably, but they actually mean very different things. Sex refers to anatomy – you’re determined male or female at birth according to your genitals. There’s also a group of people who can’t be easily identified in
How to come out
Coming out should always be your choice. If you do decide that it’s the right time, these four tips may help… ■ Consider coming out to a trusted friend first to experience how it feels. ■ If you do get a bad reaction, then give it time.
this way, and they are referred to as intersex. By contrast, ‘gender’ is how people identify themselves – how they feel, think, speak and dress. This can be different to the sex they were identified as at birth. The most important thing to remember is to be respectful of other people’s identity.
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SEXUALITY explained
The term sexuality describes how you express yourself in a sexual way – who you’re attracted to, who you want to have sex with and who you want to be in relationships with. Your sexuality can change throughout your life and is not something that you can choose or control. You’ll no doubt have heard of the following terms, but here’s what they actually mean:
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Heterosexual or straight: People who are attracted to the opposite sex.
■ Write an e-mail or letter. It may help you convey your feelings in a more coherent way if face-to-face is difficult. ■ Speak to others about how they came out and what the reactions were. If you need support, ask a trusted friend to be with you when you come out to others.
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Homosexual or gay/ lesbian: People who are attracted to the same sex.
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Bisexual or bi: People who are attracted to both men and women.
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Pansexual: People who are attracted to others regardless of their gender.
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Asexual (or ace): People who don’t feel sexually attracted to anyone and feel no desire to have sex.
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Queer: All-encompassing term covering nonstraight sexualities.
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LGB: Stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual.
LGBT+ Stands for ‘lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, plus’. The ‘+’ ensures all gender identities and sexual orientations are included.