Homosexuality: Teen Version
What is homosexuality?
Homosexuality means that you are sexually attracted to people of the same sex. Heterosexuals are attracted to people of the opposite sex. Teen years are a time to explore sexuality and learn about yourself. Many boys and girls are attracted to people of the same sex during puberty. Having feelings about or even having sex with a person of the same sex doesn’t mean that you are homosexual.
You can choose whether or not to act on your sexual feelings, no matter who you are attracted to.
What issues does it cause?
During your teen years, you will spend a lot of time trying to decide who you are, what values you believe in, and what you want to do in life. It is a time to start deciding for yourself what is right and wrong.
However, gay teens face other issues as well. You may worry how your friends and family will react, and feel that you have no one to talk to. Society and families often have a hard time accepting homosexuality. Many gay teens face verbal and even physical abuse.
Homosexuality is not a mental disorder. However, being unsure or uncomfortable about your feelings can cause you anxiety, stress, or depression. Stress may cause physical problems like trouble sleeping and headaches. You may try using drugs or alcohol as ways to deal with your emotional pain. You may even have thoughts about suicide. These are serious problems that need professional help.
What if I want to talk about it?
Talking with trusted family members and friends may help. Because others do not always accept homosexuality, it can be hard to talk about it. If you feel you can’t talk with your parents, talk to a counselor to help you sort out your feelings. If you do not want to see a mental health therapist, talk to a trusted adult, such as a school nurse or school counselor. Ask them to recommend a support group.
There are many organizations for homosexuals, their families, and friends, such as:
- Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
http://www.pflag.org
202-467-8180 - YouthResource
http://www.amplifyyourvoice.org/youthresource
888-843-4564
Last modified: 2014-06-11
Last reviewed: 2014-06-10
Homosexuality: Teen Version: References
Homosexuality from a Familial and Genetic Perspective. Pillard, Richard C. http://repository.library.georgetown.edu/handle/10822/528612
2011-07-12
Intergroup contact, attitudes toward homosexuality, and the role of acceptance of gender non-conformity in young adolescents. KL Collier, HMW Bos… Journal of Adolescence, 2012
Kaplan and Sadock’s Concise Textbook of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry by Virginia Alcott Sadock; 2009
Dulcan’s Textbook of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry by Mina K. Dulcan; 2009
Sexual orientation and bullying among adolescents in the growing up today study. Berlan ED, Corliss HL, Field AE, Goodman E, Austin SB. J Adolesc Health. 2010 Apr;46(4):366-71. Epub 2010 Jan 29.
Sexual orientation and risk factors for suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among adolescents and young adults. Am J Public Health. 2007 Nov; 97(11):2017-9. Epub 2007 Sep 27. [Am J Public Health. 2007]