What Is Sexual Orientation? What Is Sexual Orientation? Add video to playlist Create Playlist 1 Add Playlist basics Add Playlist AIMS Health- Puberty Add Playlist AIMS Health- Sex & SEXUALITY Add Playlist Puberty Add Playlist AIMS Health- Bullying Add Playlist Kendall Remove Playlist Stargirl Add Playlist Healthy Relationships Add Playlist FLASH Gender Roles Remove Playlist FLASH STDs Add Playlist 7th grade Add Playlist puberty Add Playlist Emotional Changes in Puberty Add Playlist Social changes of puberty Add Playlist Physical Changes in Puberty 7th Grade Add Playlist health Add Playlist Growing up Add Playlist Playlist Remove Playlist The Lains Add Playlist HIV Awareness Add Playlist Young Animator samples for Nadav Add Playlist Lexi Add Playlist Billy Add Playlist Social stories Add Playlist Stds Add Playlist Stds Add Playlist Health – Relationships & Reproduction Unit Add Playlist greyson 6th grade Add Playlist Claire Add Playlist Health 6th Grade Add Playlist Liz Add Playlist Playlist for HLTH 575 Remove Playlist Parent tips Add Playlist Sex Add Playlist Safety Add Playlist Sexual Assault Add Playlist Sexual Orientation Add Playlist Puberty Add Playlist Hammy Add Playlist Helpful For Friend Add Playlist Girls Add Playlist Boys Add Playlist Lavinia Remove Playlist Lavinia Add Playlist Sexual Orientation Remove Playlist Puberty Part 2 Add Playlist Year 6 Health Education Add Playlist Middle School Health Remove Playlist first Add Playlist Kodi 7 Add Playlist Hope and Light Senior phase Add Playlist Korean Videos Add Playlist Cole Add Playlist Playlist 1 Remove Playlist Counseling Remove Playlist Relationships and Respect Add Playlist Being a good friend Add Playlist Bodies Add Playlist Feelings Add Playlist Kian puberty Add Playlist For Sienna Add Playlist Puberty and Sex Ed Add Playlist conoscere Add Playlist RISE Add Playlist RISE Add Playlist Girl Stuff Add Playlist puberty Add Playlist Parent Summint Add Playlist puberty 1 Add Playlist Stinkybutt Add Playlist street smart & sex ed Add Playlist Bright’s Playlist Add Playlist Illnesses Add Playlist Random Add Playlist LC Talk Add Playlist 9th grade Health Remove Playlist 8th grade Health Add Playlist Menstruation Add Playlist Emma Add Playlist Pubirty Add Playlist Elijah 101 Add Playlist First Add Playlist First Add Playlist Health Education Remove Playlist SAS Add Playlist Bella Add Playlist Puberty lesson 1 Add Playlist Missmisplacement U Need 2 Know Watchlist Add Playlist Missmisplacement U Need 2 Know Watchlist Add Playlist Missmisplacement U Need 2 Know Watchlist Add Playlist Teacher picks Add Playlist Emalea’s Playlist Add Playlist August 2018 Add Playlist Youth Friendly Videos Add Playlist Camille Remove Playlist so easy to sex-ed Add Playlist Young Child Discussions Add Playlist Digital Safety Add Playlist Heading to Middle School… Add Playlist What Is Sexual Orientation? | Gay Lesbian orientation lgbtq Youth Sexual orientation is all about who you’re romantically and sexually attracted to. Some people are attracted to those of a different gender (heterosexual), and some are attracted to those of the same gender (gay or lesbian). Some are attracted people of either the same or a different gender (bisexual), and some people do not experience sexual attraction (asexual), though they may be interested in a romantic relationship. It’s totally normal to have questions about sexual orientation, so it’s okay if you’re wondering about who you are and feel attracted to! Some people know their sexual orientation at a very young age and others don’t know until they are much older. FAQs How will I know if I’m gay or lesbian? Sexual orientation refers to who you feel attracted to romantically or sexually. It’s totally normal to have intense attractions during puberty. Your feelings may be so strong that they aren’t necessarily directed toward a particular type of person, but instead seem to come out of nowhere. People who identify as gay or lesbian find that over time their attraction to people of the same gender gets more clearly focused. Right now, you may find yourself falling for a classmate or developing a crush on a particular person. You may even find these experiences pleasurable, troubling, or a mix of the two. Don’t worry, as you get older it may become clearer. For many it’s a journey, and your attractions may even change over the years. For now, you may not know how to label your romantic and sexual feelings, and you should know there’s no rush to label your feelings or yourself. Just know that this is all perfectly normal, you are not alone in asking this question and there are no “right” or “wrong” answers. What is bisexual, and how will I know if I am? Understanding your sexual orientation can be confusing. You might feel that you don’t fit into a specific category, and you may notice that you have sexual and romantic feelings for people of your own gender and a different gender. These feelings may indicate you will identify as bisexual, but don’t worry about being unsure. Understanding your sexual orientation develops over time, and you should feel no pressure to identify in any particular way. I’m not really sure who I’m attracted to. Am I normal? Yes, of course! You and your feelings are absolutely normal and you have no control over who you find attractive. Many people are gay, lesbian or bisexual. Find out if your school has a gay-straight alliance (GSA). GSAs can help you find other people who are feeling and experiencing the same things you are. Related Videos Love Is Love: Free to Be Me Close Additional Resources Sex, Etc. Kids Health Parents A person’s sexual orientation is determined by the gender(s) of the people that person is romantically and sexually attracted to. Many people may first become aware of their sexual orientation during puberty. Hormonal changes associated with puberty can trigger new feelings of romantic or sexual attraction. This can be confusing and even a bit scary for many tweens and teens. These romantic and sexual feelings are often intense and not necessarily directed toward particular types of people. Sexual feelings for some may be provoked without cause during puberty. This can confuse tweens and teens as they begin to question their own and others’ sexual orientation. It is essential to help young people understand that it may take time to understand what gender(s) they find romantically or sexually attractive. It is also important to reiterate that there are no right or wrong answers and only they can determine their sexual orientation. As they get older, they will be better able to figure out who they find attractive. People who identify as lesbian or gay find that over time their attraction to people of the same gender gets more clearly focused. Those who are bisexual find they are attracted to people of the same and a different gender. People who are asexual do not experience sexual attraction, though they may be interested in a non-sexual romantic relationship. Further, some people’s understanding of their sexual orientation changes over time, and some young people may resist labeling themselves in any way. It is important that you show your children that you will love and support them always, regardless of whether they are gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual or heterosexual. If your child has trusted you with information about his or her sexual orientation, do not share that information with others without permission. Respect them and their decision to come out when and if they feel comfortable and safe. We have made great advances in rights for gay, lesbian and bisexual people in the United States, but homophobia continues to exist in some communities, homes and schools. Lesbian, gay and bisexual young people have the right to safe and accepting environments. They have the right to live with dignity and without fear from stigma, discrimination and violence. Gay, lesbian and bisexual youth need inclusive and culturally appropriate health care and education. And, most importantly they need to be accepted and loved for who they are. Conversation Starters It is important that your children know that you are open to talking about sexuality and sexual orientation with them. You could start these important conversations with your children using some of the following: Speak with your child when you’re both relaxed, like over dinner or in the car “Is there anyone at school you like or are attracted to?” Bring these issues up when you hear someone is getting married If your child says her friend’s sister or a teacher is getting married, you can say, “That is fantastic! Is she marrying a man or a woman?” If you hear your child or one of their friends say, “That’s so gay,” address it Gently correct your child. Let them know it’s not okay to use “gay” as a way to put down or demean someone or something. Tell them that if they mean “that’s so stupid,” then they should say that. Educators A person’s sexual orientation is determined by the gender(s) of the people that person is romantically and sexually attracted to. Many people may first become aware of their sexual orientation during puberty. Hormonal changes associated with puberty can trigger new feelings of romantic or sexual attraction. This can be confusing and even a bit scary for many tweens and teens. These romantic and sexual feelings are often intense and not necessarily directed toward particular types of people. Sexual feelings for some may be provoked without cause during puberty. This can confuse tweens and teens as they begin to question their own and others’ sexual orientation. It is essential to help young people understand that it may take time to understand what gender(s) they find romantically or sexually attractive. It is also important to reiterate that there are no right or wrong answers and only they can determine their sexual orientation. As they get older, they will be better able to figure out who they find attractive. People who identify as lesbian or gay find that over time their attraction to people of the same gender gets more clearly focused. Those who are bisexual find they are attracted to people of the same and a different gender. People who are asexual do not experience sexual attraction, though they may be interested in a non-sexual romantic relationship. Further, some people’s understanding of their sexual orientation changes over time, and some young people may resist labeling themselves in any way. It is important that you show your students that you will support them, regardless of whether they are gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual or heterosexual. If a student has trusted you with information about their sexual orientation, do not share that information with others without permission. Respect them and their decision to come out when and if they feel comfortable and safe. We have made great advances in rights for gay, lesbian and bisexual people in the United States, but homophobia continues to exist in some communities, homes and schools. Lesbian, gay and bisexual young people have the right to safe and accepting environments. They have the right to live with dignity and without fear from stigma, discrimination and violence. Gay, lesbian and bisexual youth need inclusive and culturally appropriate health care and education. Discussion Questions After watching the video with your class, process it using the following discussion questions: How does the video define sexual orientation? According to the video, how might people know if they may be heterosexual, gay, lesbian or bisexual? What are some things we can all do to make sure that gay, lesbian and bisexual people are treated with respect? What would you tell a friend if they shared with you that they may be gay, lesbian or bisexual? Lesson Plans 7th Grade—Lesson 6: I Am Who I Am 9th Grade—Lesson 4: Sexual Orientation, Behavior, Identity: How I Feel, What I Do and Who I Am What a Difference an Ally Makes Gay, Straight, Bi: Do These Labels Still Apply? Websites Advocates for Youth Answer Planned Parenthood SIECUS YTH ASHA Books Changing You!: A Guide to Body Changes and Sexuality An honest and reassuring guide to puberty for elementary school children Gail Saltz It's So Amazing! A Book about Eggs, Sperm, Birth, Babies Robie H. Harris Sex Is a Funny Word A Book About Bodies, Feelings, and YOU Cory Silverberg For Goodness Sex Changing the Way We Talk to Kids About Sexuality, Values, and Health Al Vernacchio Talk to Me First: Everything You Need to Know to Become Your Kids’ "Go-To" Person About Sex Deborah Roffman