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Sexuality is not about who you have sex with, or how often you have it. Sexuality is about your sexual feelings, thoughts, attractions and behaviours towards other people. You can find other people physically, sexually or emotionally attractive, and all those things are a part of your sexuality.

Sexuality is diverse and personal, and it is an important part of who you are. Discovering your sexuality can be a very liberating, exciting and positive experience.

Some people experience discrimination due to their sexuality

If someone gives you a hard time about your sexuality, it’s good to talk to someone about it.

Sometimes, it can take time to figure out the sexuality that fits you best

And your sexuality can change over time

It can be confusing; so don’t worry if you are unsure. You might be drawn to men or to women, to both or to neither. There is no right or wrong – it’s about what’s right for you. And while there are common terms to describe different types of sexuality, you don’t have to adopt a label to describe yourself.

Most people are attracted to the opposite sex – boys who like girls, and women who like men, for example. These people are heterosexual, or ‘straight’.

Some people are attracted to the same sex

These people are homosexual

Around 10 per cent of young Americans experience same-sex attraction, most during puberty. ‘Lesbian’ is the common term for people who identify as women and are same-sex attracted. ‘Gay’ is the most common term for people who identify as men and are same-sex attracted, although women identifying as lesbian also sometimes use this word.

Sexuality can be more complicated than being straight or gay. Some people are attracted to both men and women, and are known as bisexual. Bisexual does not mean the attraction is evenly weighted – a person may have stronger feelings for one gender than another.

And this can vary depending on who they meet.

There are different kinds of bisexuality

Some people who are attracted to men and women still consider themselves to be mainly straight or gay. Or they might have sexual feelings towards both genders but only have intercourse with one. Other people see sexual attraction as more grey than black and white.

These people find everyday labels too rigid

Some prefer to identify as ‘queer’. And others use the term ‘pan’, or ‘pansexual’, to show they are attracted to different kinds of people no matter what their gender, identity or expression. There are many differences between individuals, so bisexuality is a general term only.

You can read more about it at the Better Health Channel’s page on A person who identifies as asexual (‘ace’ for short) is someone who does not experience, or experiences very little, sexual attraction. Asexuality is not a choice, like abstinence (where someone chooses not to have sex with anyone, whether they are attracted to them or not).

Asexuality is a sexual orientation, like homosexuality or heterosexuality.

Some people may strongly identify with being asexual, except for a few infrequent experiences of sexual attraction (grey-asexuality). Some people feel sexual attraction only after they develop a strong emotional bond with someone (this is known as demisexuality).

Other people experience asexuality in a range of other ways

Equality and freedom from discrimination are fundamental human rights that belong to all people. In most states in United States, including Michigan, it is against the law to discriminate against someone because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or lawful sexual activity.

However, discrimination can still occur

For information on the legal obligations of employers regarding discrimination based on sexual identity, see the Michigann Equal Opportunity and webpage on equal opportunity practice guidelines. LGBTIQA+ people have an increased risk of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, homelessness, self-harming and suicidal thoughts, compared with the general population.

This is particularly true of young LGBTIQA+ people who are coming to terms with their sexuality and experiencing victimisation and bullying at school.

Some of the stressful experiences that can affect the mental health of an LGBTIQA+ person are:

  • feeling unsupported or misunderstood. These pressures are on top of all the other stuff people have to deal with in life such as managing school
  • finding a job
  • forming relationships
  • making sense of your identity
  • place in the world

If you are worried that someone you know has a mental health problem, look out for changes in their mood, behaviour, relationships, appetite, sleep patterns, coping and thinking.

If these changes last more than a couple of weeks, talk to them about getting help. A good place to start is their doctor, or a phone or online service such as (for young people).

If you are struggling with your own sexuality: Get support if you’re finding it hard to cope.

Try talking to someone you trust – a friend, relative, doctor or counsellor, or use a helpline such as Don’t hang around someone if they are abusive to you. Remember, there is no rush to figure out your sexuality.

Take your time

And don’t feel pressured to put a label on it.

If you think you’re gay but you don’t want to ‘come out’, it’s okay. If you want, you can read more about For information about your rights: If you want to talk to someone, chat online, or find out more about LGBTIQA+ issues: (counselling and referral service for LGBTIQA+ people) – Tel.

(mental health service for ages 12–25) – Tel. (for anyone feeling depressed or anxious) – Tel. (support for anyone having a personal crisis) – Tel. You may also be interested in visiting these sites: Different types of sexuality Heterosexual and homosexual The Better Health Channel has more information on lesbian sexuality and gay male sexuality Bisexual bisexuality Asexual Discrimination based on sexuality If you think you have been discriminated against or victimised because of your sexuality ( or a range of other reasons ) contact the Michigann Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission Human Rights Commission Sexuality and mental health feeling different from other people being bullied (verbally or physically) feeling pressure to deny or change their sexuality feeling worried about coming out, and then being rejected or isolated Helping someone struggling with their sexuality and mental health QLife , beyondblue or eheadspace QLife , beyondblue or eheadspace coming out Where to get help Michigann Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission QLife 1800 184 527 headspace 1800 650 890 ReachOut (youth mental health service) Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 Lifeline 13 11 14 Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 Switchboard 1800 184 527 (telephone counselling, information and referrals) Suicide Call Back Service (616) 555-0400 (for anyone thinking about suicide) ACON (for LGBTIQA+ health and HIV prevention and support) PFLAG United States (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays).

Key Points

  • Sexuality is diverse and personal, and it is an important part of who you are
  • ‘Lesbian’ is the common term for people who identify as women and are same-sex attracted
  • Some people who are attracted to men and women still consider themselves to be mainly straight or gay