Every June, Pride Month commemorates the hardships that the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) community has faced and celebrates the victories of trailblazing individuals who have courageously fought — and continue to advocate — for full equality. The term LGBTQ, or even LGBTQIA, is sometimes used to refer to queer, intersex, and asexual people. Pride Month is usually marked by a slew of parades and marches, but with the coronavirus and social distancing still in effect, things will be a little different this year.
There are several classifications of sexual orientation, but the most common are as follows.
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Heterosexual: Also known as 'straight', heterosexual refers to males who are attracted to females and females who are attracted to males.
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Homosexual: Also known as 'gay,' homosexuals are attracted to people of the same sex.
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Pansexuality is defined as being attracted to people of all sexes and genders.
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To be bisexual means to be attracted to both sexes.
Your sexual orientation, regardless of which orientation you identify with, does not define you as a person. However, it is still a significant part of you and can assist you in embracing who you are with confidence.
What should you do if you have doubts about your sexuality?
There is no age at which a person is expected to "understand" their sexuality. It can be ingrained from birth, discovered as a teen, or discovered much later in life. Remember that everyone's life experience is unique.
If you have feelings of attraction to the same sex, accept those feelings for what they are. Although it may feel like you're in the minority, coming out is gradually but steadily becoming the new normal. A number of celebrities are demonstrating to the world how wonderful it can be to be comfortable in your own skin and to embrace your sexuality. Furthermore, the number of gay main characters in films and advertisements continues to rise.
Coming out without the platform of a celebrity can be intimidating. Keep in mind that the timing is entirely up to you. If you're still unsure about your sexual orientation, be open to relationships with those you're attracted to, and it will become clearer over time. When you're ready to tell the world who you are, decide who you're most comfortable telling first. Perhaps it's a long process that starts with your best friend. Again, the timing should be determined by what feels natural to you.
Being gay isn't always easy, especially when you're around people who are uncomfortable with or even hostile to your sexual orientation. As a result, try to surround yourself with people who support you and your way of life. You'll quickly notice that most people treat homosexual and bisexual people in the same way they treat heterosexuals.