Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and intersex. There is an entire spectrum of sexuality, and people today are starting to recognize themselves in different places than say, our grandparents ever talked about.
Sexuality basically means how you are attracted to other people, whether that is the same sex (homosexuality), the opposite sex (heterosexualilty), both (bisexuality), or neither (asexuality). Transgender is more about what gender (male or female or a combination of elements from both) that you feel you are. Intersex? People that are born with sexual organs of both genders. Questioning is exactly what it sounds like – if you aren’t sure, you might call yourself questioning.
It’s can be a little confusing if you’ve never heard these words before, or talked to anyone who identified as one or another, but it’s definitely worth figuring out what they all mean. At some point, you might start to wonder where on the spectrum you fit, and it is helpful to have a few ideas of different communities you can turn to, or ways to identify yourself when you’re ready to go out into the wild world of dating!
The most important part to remember? Respect. No matter where or how a person defines themselves, we can express love and respect for them by acknowledging them where they’re at, and supporting them. And one of the best ways you can do that is by being informed! So check out the info on Kinsey Confidential, Scarleteen.org, or Sex, Etc… for some more info on sexuality and gender.