Sexuality is how you feel about your body and body image, your gender, your feelings, who you’re attracted to and what you want from life.
Some young people know their sexual orientation from an early age, others take longer to work it out. Sexual orientation can change too.
When you’re feeling confused about your sexual orientation, it can make you feel:
This is completely normal. Don’t worry, stress or feel under pressure from family or friends. Whatever you are, you know best and it’s OK. Be proud of who you are, regardless of what anyone might say.
If you feel a mismatch between your sex and gender identity, this can be distressing and cause uncomfortable feelings. This can be related to gender dysphoria. Gender dysphoria is a recognised medical condition, for which treatment is sometimes appropriate. It is not a mental illness.
Go at your own pace when it comes to exploring your sexuality.
If you have questions about sex and sexuality, speak to an adult that you trust such as your parents, school nurse or your doctor. There’s no such thing as a stupid question.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): We are not allowing visitors to any of our hospital or inpatient sites in order to protect our patients and staff who care for them from the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). This is with effect from Monday 23 March 2020 until further notice.
