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Sexual orientation
indicates whom an individual is sexually and emotionally
attracted to. This can mean males or females of the same or
opposite sex. A person's sexual orientation is not the same as a
person's sexual actions because not everyone expresses the way
they are feeling in their actions. It is therefore the feelings
one has towards another. Individuals with a heterosexual
preference are attracted to people of the opposite sex.
Homosexuality refers to individuals who are interested in people
of the same sex; the terms gay and lesbian are also used to
indicate this orientation. People who are sexually and
emotionally attracted to both males and females are often
referred to as bisexual.
Many people find it
extremely hard to recognize why they are attracted to an
individual of the same sex or both sexes when it is perceived as
'natural' to be interested in the opposite sex. These feelings
are extremely common and there are millions of people all over
the world experiencing these emotions. It is normal for people
to feel confused about their emotions and nervous about how
others will react. Men in particular frequently feel quite
isolated because of peer pressure that homosexuality is wrong.
Homosexuality or being gay is not wrong, it is part of human
sexuality, and individuals cannot choose their sexual
orientation.
Ideology within
society teaches us that homosexuality is not the correct sexual
path to follow. Due to these values and pressures, some
homosexuals do not realise they are gay until they are much
older, or they refuse to accept their sexuality. One of the
biggest steps is accepting yourself for who you are which can be
very difficult for some people. Once you have accepted the
circumstances and feel more comfortable about it, you may want
to tell people about it so they are able to accept you too. This
is known as 'coming out' and is usually the hardest part of
being gay. When a person chooses to come out it will depend on
when they feel it is the right time.
Everyone is
different and from different backgrounds, some people will be
very accepting when a person chooses to 'come out' yet others
may not. The best person to confide in first is someone close to
you that you can trust to keep it to themselves until you are
ready to tell others.
When someone
chooses to 'come out' may depend on some of the factors listed
below:
If the
individual feels comfortable about their sexuality and how happy
they are to talk about it.
How well the
person knows their parents and how close they are as a family.
Whether the
timing seems right or not.
The support
available from friends.
Family issues
such as religion.
How dependant
someone is on his or her parents.
Safety at home.
How much the
person knows about the issue.
If an individual
is uncertain for many years they may choose to wait.
Causes:
It is thought
that biological, cognitive and environmental factors all play a
part in influencing an individual's sexual direction. However
there has always been a huge debate regarding nature versus
nurture and no definitive reasons have ever been conclusive. A
persons sexual orientation is often recognized by themselves at
an early age however, everyone is different and the reasons are
therefore likely to be slightly different in each individual.
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Serenity
Counselling, Goodrich Grove, Celtic Horizon, Newport, NP10
8SY | Tel: 07971837852 |
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