STORIES WHAT PARENTS MAY EXPERIENCE DISCOVERING YOUR IDENTITY

Discovering your Identity

When we first realise we're not "normal" we begin a journey of self discovery. There are two key aspects to this exploration and often the more obvious one, our Sexual Identity is looked at first. But for some of us out there it is often also closely followed by discovering our Gender Identity. Two very different aspects that form who we are as individuals. And hopefully we can help you being your journey of discovering your Identity.

What is being Gay and how do I know if I am?

When exploring your sexual identity for the first time, it can be very confusing. Don't worry as we've all mostly been through it, we understand how tough it can be. Being Gay or homosexual is loving someone of the same sex, but like lots of things, it's not always black and white. Everyone is an individual and their experiences and feelings are unique. In time you'll work out who you are most attracted to and what feels right. If you like both boys and girls that's fine too. If you're not sure about what you are right now, or who you're attracted to - that's OK! Gay, Straight, Bisexual, or whatever you are, it's a perfectly natural part of your being.

SEXUAL IDENTITY WHAT IT ALL MEANS COMING OUT

I'm a female but I just don't feel like one?

Another aspect to who we are, that most people don't even begin to question is our gender identity. What is gender identity? How does it apply to me?

Gender Identity is a person's own sense of identification as male or female.

Now not everyone may feel the need to question this of themselves and that's okay. But there are some that may feel they're not quite 100% with who they are, there may still be something missing. For example, just because I was born a female, do I feel that I am a female? Everyone assumes I'm a "Tomboy" because I like to play with trucks and play sports with the boys. But I like girls too same way all the boys do. Does that mean I'm a lesbian? But I feel more like a boy anyway.. I don't feel like a girl. What does it mean?

As well you could also have been born a male but feel that you're totally female.
Or even be "gender queer", this is where you're one gender or the other and don't feel like you completely identify with that gender or the other.

These are things you may need to still explore and have questions about...?

Contact Cam our Gender Quest Facilitator if you think you're on this path of self discovery. genderquest@rainbowyouth.org.nz and he can assist you or perhaps provide you with some direction and further resources and people to contact.

Still trying to find your way? Join one of our groups and meet others like you

Already out? Come along to one our groups

ph~ 09 376 4155 | fx~ 09 368 5596 | 281 Karangahape Road, Auckland

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