Figuring It Out
Many of us have feelings for someone of the same sex. Some of us wonder whether we were born the wrong gender. You may be unsure of what your feelings mean - are they friendly, or romantic feelings? You may wonder if you’re just not into old-school gender roles.
As you are figuring things out, it is important that you try to remember that there is nothing wrong with you. At this point, you may be confused about who you are, or may feel unsure about labeling yourself as a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) person.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to label yourself at all!
The first step in becoming who you really are involves being true to yourself and doing what will help you feel satisfied, safe, comfortable and happy.
Accepting your feelings can be a positive experience. This may or may not mean that you start thinking of yourself as transgender, gay or bisexual. How you think about your gender or sexuality and describe yourself is up to you.
For some people coming out can be straightforward, but for many it can be a confusing and stressful process. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people often feel scared about coming out. You may feel fine about coming out or you may be worried.
However you feel, we hope that you find the information on this website useful. We wrote it to try to help you to answer some of your questions, and to help you understand three things:
One: Being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender is a normal and healthy way to be. It's one more part of who you are - like being tall or short, or black or white or Asian or Latino.
Two: It takes time to know who you are. It's okay to be confused, it's okay to be unsure whether you're transgender, gay or straight, and it's okay to take your time finding out. There's no need to rush.
Three: You're not alone. Right now, there are tens of thousands of other teenagers, all thinking they're gay or wondering if they're transgender, all wondering if they're the only one, all trying to find someone to talk to about it.
The best thing you can do is find someone to talk to that you can trust.
Maybe that's someone you already know - a friend, parent, brother or sister ... or a friend's parent or older brother or sister. Maybe it's an adult to whom you confided in the past, whom you know you can trust again.
If you don't already know anyone with whom you're comfortable talking, who will be supportive and understanding, you can always connect with someone at All Under One Roof LGBQ by clicking the “Ask Us Anything” link. And if you do want to talk with someone face-to-face, you can always come to the Center. If you decide to reach out to others via other internet sites…Remember to use good judgment when making any contacts.
Whatever you choose, talking really helps. And you'll find that you don’t have to be alone..
All Under One Roof
LGBT Resource Centers of Southeastern Idaho
All Under One Roof, LGBT Youth Center, is open to young people (ages 14 up to 21 years old) lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth who are questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity, identify as queer, or our straight allies. The center is committed to emphasizing the voice of the youth as the most important contribution. Center programs and services are designed to assist young people in developing a true sense of self in order to encourage confidence in each individual’s uniqueness and help them discover their commonalities with others.
