My Sexuality

What does LGBTQIA+ stand for?

• Lesbian: This is a woman who is attracted to other women emotionally, romantically, physically, and/or sexually.
• Gay: Is a term for a person who is emotionally, romantically, and/or physically attracted to people of the same sex e.g. gay man, gay women, gay people.
• Bisexual: This is when someone is attracted to someone of the same and opposite sex on various levels emotionally, physically, intellectually, and sexually.
• Transgender: This is when someone’s gender identity (feeling like a man or a woman inside) does not match their biological sex (for example male or female). Transgender people can be heterosexual (straight), bisexual or homosexual that means having romantic, sexual, intellectual, and intimate feelings towards people of the same sex.
• Queer or Questioning: “Queer” is a word sometimes used by people who don’t fit into society’s ideas of sex, attraction, and gender identity. It can mean many different things. Some people don’t like to use the word since it has often been used to hurt people. “Questioning” means that someone is still figuring out their sexuality.
• Intersex: This is when someone is born with male and female reproductive organs or hormones.
• Asexual: This is when someone doesn’t feel sexually attracted to others.
• The "+" is a way to include all identities and sexualities who don’t fit into these labels.

A person’s sexuality and identity is something personal. We are allowed to talk about our own sexuality as much or as little as we want to. It’s important to respect other people’s sexuality and identity.
The South African Constitution says we should not treat people differently because of their sexuality. All people should be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of whom they love or who they are.
Check out this video that speaks about sexual orientation:

Should I come out about my sexuality or identity?

Your teenage years are a time when you may start discovering your sexuality and identity and while it is exciting, it can also be confusing. Sexuality is an important part of who we all are and it includes feelings and attraction to other people.
Knowing you are straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, asexual or another identity (LGBTQIA+) means you understand a part of yourself.
Now you may face some decisions about coming out (telling someone else about your gender identity or sexuality).

Here are things to think about before coming out:

Do I want to come out?

There is no wrong answer to this question. Coming out is your decision, and you have the right to tell (or not tell) anyone you like. Coming out is a relief for some people and can bring them closer to their friends or family. But if someone is prejudiced (they have judgements about you) or doesn’t understand you, coming out could be hurtful or even put you in danger. Even if you don’t want to come out, that’s fine. Do whatever feels right and safe for you

How do I let someone know?

If you do want to come out to someone in your life, first think about:

• Their attitudes toward people with your sexual orientation or gender identity.
• How they might react.
• Why you want to come out to them.
• If you are financially dependent on them, and what would happen if they rejected you.

Remember, always put your safety first and make the decision that is right for you.
Check out this video where Amo ‘Sasha’ Kekana shares his experience with coming out.