Nobody knows for sure why some people are attracted to people of the opposite
sex and some are attracted to people of the same sex. The origins of sexual
orientation are complex. Different people may be attracted to members of the
same sex for different reasons.
Some people who are gay, lesbian or bisexual say that they’ve always felt attracted
to members of the same sex. Others say they became aware of these feelings when
they were teenagers or young adults.
Some scientists believe there may be biological or physical reasons. Being
gay, lesbian or bisexual is also called having "same-sex feelings"
or a "same-sex orientation."
What same sex attraction is not
People are not attracted to other people of the same sex because they:
- were raised a certain way by their parents
- had sexual experiences with members of the same sex when they
were young
- are mentally ill
- are abnormal in some way.
Negative attitudes about same-sex attraction
It isn’t easy to grow up and live in this world if you have same-sex feelings.
Many people have negative attitudes about same-sex orientation. These negative
attitudes are also called "homophobia."
Gays, lesbians and bisexuals are often targets for discrimination, abuse and
even violence. Because of this, they may have feelings of confusion or fear.
They may worry that their families and friends will reject them or keep them
at a distance.
Support in the community
People with a same-sex attraction can and do lead happy and healthy lives. If you
are lesbian, gay or bisexual, you may find it helpful to meet others with a
same-sex orientation. For example, you can:
- join gay or lesbian clubs or organizations
- get help from social service agencies. Ask if they offer support
services that are gay-, lesbian- and bisexual-positive.
Building these relationships can make you feel less alone. You may also be
a source of support to someone else.
A good place to start if you want to link up with groups like this is Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). If you’re
under 20, Kids Help Phone can also help you find support and counselling
in your area.
Additional resources
Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Youth Line
Community
Links – Rainbow
Resource Centre
Spectrum
The Centre
Additional resources for health intermediaries
Caring for lesbian health: a resource for Canadian health care
providers, policy makers, planners (PDF reader required) – Canadian Women's Health Network (CWHN)
HIV infections among MSM In Canada – Public
Health Agency of Canada
Cornelson, B. (1998). Addressing the sexual health needs of gay and bisexual
men in health care settings. The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 7(3).
For reprints contact SIECCAN, Tel (416) 466-5304 Fax (416) 778-0785 e-mail:
sieccan@web.net
Schneider, M. (1988). Often Invisible: Counselling Gay & Lesbian Youth.
Toronto, Ontario.
Available from Central Toronto Youth
Services. (416) 924-2100.
Schneider, M. (1998). Pride and Prejudice: Working with Lesbian, Gay and
Bisexual Youth. Toronto, Ontario.
Available from Central Toronto Youth
Services. (416) 924-2100.
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