Sexual Well-Being

‘Heterosexual’ is a word used to describe men who are exclusively attracted to women, and women who are attracted exclusively to men.

‘Lesbian’ is a word that is specifically used to describe women who are attracted to women.

‘Gay’ and ‘Homosexual’ are words that people use to describe people who attracted to people of the same sex. The terms apply to both men and women, although ‘gay’ is more often (though not always) associated with men. ‘Gay’ is generally a more acceptable term than ‘homosexual’, which is considered by some to have negative connotations historically.

‘Bisexual’ is a word used to describe men who are attracted to both men and women, and women who are attracted to both women and men.

‘Transgender’ is a word used to describe people whose gender identity differs from the physical sex into which they were born.

BEING HETEROSEXUAL

Heterosexuality, sometimes referred to as being “straight”, is the state of romantic and/or physical attraction in which the majority of people find themselves. Because the majority of people are “straight”, this can make it easier for them to become romantically and/or physically involved, but this does not mean that straight people can’t have relationship problems or sexual health issues. These are issues that can affect anyone.

BEING GAY

Not everyone in the world is “straight”. Statistically, at least 10% of the population is gay. Being ‘gay’ can be a source of controversy in many cultures, and gay people can face high levels of discrimination, exclusion on religious and/or cultural grounds. This can make it very difficult for a gay person to disclose their sexuality, for fear of being ridiculed, excluded or even attacked. The condition of being afraid of, and/or antagonistic towards, gay people on the grounds of their sexuality is called ‘homophobia’. The term used to describe the process by which a gay person discloses their sexual orientation to others is termed “coming out”. This process of disclosure can bring with it a great sense of relief and empowerment to a gay man or woman.

BEING BISEXUAL

People who are bisexual are attracted to people of both sexes. They can be attracted to both sexes equally, or may be more attracted to one sex more than the other. These levels of attraction can also vary over time. It is a myth that all bisexual people need to be in relationships with both sexes at the same time, and nor is it true to say that bisexual people cannot sustain and enjoy successful long-term relationships. A bisexual person can have a successful relationship with one person of either sex, or with two or more people of different sexes.

BEING TRANSGENDER

A number of terms can be used to describe a person whose gender identity is different from the gender they were assigned at birth. ‘Transgender’ is the umbrella term currently favoured to describe these diverse states and identities, but it is important not to overlook the range of identities, experiences and concerns of transgender individuals. It is also important to realise that gender identity and sexuality are not the same thing- transgender people can be gay, straight or bisexual. A transgender man (an individual who has been born with a woman’s body, but feels ‘male’ and undertakes to become physically ‘male’), will not necessarily be attracted to women. He may be attracted to men, or to women and men. The same is true of a transgender woman (an individual who has been born with a man’s body, but feels ‘female’ and undertakes to become physically ‘female’). She may be attracted to men, or to women, or to women and men.

I’M NOT REALLY SURE?

Society tends to attach ‘labels’ to people. This can make it doubly confusing for people who are not sure about their sexual orientation. If this is you, you may wish to talk through your feelings with someone, or explore your feelings further through literature or other information.
It is important to remember that all states of attraction are valid and as a society we should welcome all diversities of attraction equally.

The following organisations offer further information/advice on gender, sexuality, sexual health, and related issues:

Tayside LGBT organisation - http://www.diversitay.org.uk/

Gay Men's Health Tayside - http://www.gaymenshealthtayside.com/

Healthy Gay Scotland - http://www.healthygayscotland.com/

Lesbian Mothers - http://www.lesbian-mothers-scotland.org.uk/

Parents Enquiry Scotland - http://www.parentsenquiryscotland.org/

Pink Parents - http://www.pinkparents.org.uk/

PHACE Scotland - http://www.phacescotland.org/

PFLAG - for families & friends of lesbian and gays - http://www.pflag.org/

Broken Rainbow - Support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people experiencing domestic violence – www.broken-rainbow.org.uk