What Is Sexual Orientation? What Is Sexual Orientation? Add video to playlist Create Playlist good Add Playlist Colin’s 10 y/o playlist Add Playlist First Amaze Playlist Add Playlist Georgia’s Playlist Remove Playlist 2nd Grade Add Playlist Gavin Add Playlist faves Add Playlist 5th Grade Add Playlist @how Add Playlist testing this list Add Playlist Healthy Relationships Add Playlist puberty Add Playlist Azaelia Add Playlist Puberty Add Playlist Videos Add Playlist JEP Add Playlist Mom Add Playlist For flora Add Playlist firstpalylist Remove Playlist MeMe Add Playlist Sadie Remove Playlist Bryce’s stuff Add Playlist Mamabear Add Playlist New things to come Add Playlist UCPH TEEN HEALTH MATTERS! – GET INFORMED , BE IMPOWERED Remove Playlist Ilke en Alek Add Playlist Ilke Add Playlist Leila Add Playlist Emina Add Playlist Jack Add Playlist Daytona Remove Playlist ella Add Playlist Olivia Add Playlist Healthy Relationships Add Playlist wuwing Add Playlist List from Logan Levkoff for Middle School Add Playlist Judy LoBianco (SHAPE America President): for 8th grade Add Playlist Videos for 9th Graders, Curated by Al Vernacchio (MSEd) Add Playlist List from Tanya M. Bass, MS, MEd, CHES ® Remove Playlist Puberty Toolkit Videos Add Playlist LGBTQ Toolkit Videos Remove Playlist Sexual Violence Toolkit Videos Add Playlist Deborah Roffman for 7th grade Add Playlist consent and healthy relationships Add Playlist personal safety Add Playlist Gender identity Remove Playlist Puberty Add Playlist Puberty Add Playlist gaby Add Playlist Dane Add Playlist Caden Add Playlist Megan Add Playlist Love is love Remove Playlist Puberty Remove Playlist Mood swings Add Playlist Recursos Add Playlist Playlist Add Playlist STDs & HIV Add Playlist Pregnancy & Reproduction Add Playlist Healthy Relationships Add Playlist Personal Safety Add Playlist Puberty Add Playlist beyond body basics Add Playlist Kwinn Add Playlist test Add Playlist For Libby Add Playlist Pueberty Add Playlist R Remove Playlist V and R Add Playlist Boundaries, Consent, Feelings, Relationships, etc. Add Playlist Daniel Add Playlist Year 6 Sexual Health Education Add Playlist Step 1 Add Playlist Connor Add Playlist Safety Add Playlist Anxiety Add Playlist Trans Remove Playlist 11 scs Add Playlist Basic Knowledge Remove Playlist Preschool Aged Add Playlist Elementary Ages (6+) Add Playlist Elementary Ages (9+) Add Playlist Middle School Aged Add Playlist High School Aged Add Playlist Sexual Orientation Add Playlist to start Add Playlist Puberty Add Playlist Asia Add Playlist HIV/AIDS Mythbusters Add Playlist STI Worksheet Add Playlist Birth Control Choices for Teens Add Playlist Reproduction: Myth or Fact Add Playlist Sexual Orientation: Myth or Fact Remove Playlist more Remove Playlist Let’s get educated! Remove Playlist Health 9 Add Playlist Puberty Add Playlist Health Class Add Playlist Kid Presentations Add Playlist My Projects 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