Sexual Identity

We all have different paths

Knowing who you really are is a complex journey for us all. Even when you think you really know who you are, what you like and which way your life is heading, things can change. This applies to people’s taste in music, food, movies, friends; the works! Same thing applies to sexual identity. Sometimes you know exactly who you like. At other times, though, it may take a bit of time for you to find out what it is you like and what it is you’re comfortable with.

Trying to understand your sexual identity can be tough. There’s no right way to process your feelings. Confusion, perhaps anger, or even relief may all be experienced during this journey, but you’ll be better off for being true to yourself. Speaking to family and friends for emotional support is important. Some may not understand and it can be a tough decision to tell someone when you’re gay, but telling the right person can help you begin living life on your own terms.

No one has a right to tell you who to love. When it comes to love, you can’t decide who you fall for. Loving someone of the same sex or opposite sex is a decision that can be made by the person concerned, and only them. No one can walk in your shoes, so if a man or woman identifies as gay, it should be of no concern to anyone else.

Unfortunately, that is not always the case, and homophobia is a real problem across the world. It affects people’s lives both physically and emotionally, and can cause devastating harm to those affected by homophobic abuse.

The only way to challenge people’s assumptions and fight against hate is by discussing people’s sexual identity in an open and honest way. In South Africa, 72% of people believe that same-sex activity is morally wrong. From the South African lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, 55% live in fear of facing discrimination due to their sexual identity.

People have different paths in life. Respecting other’s choices should be as important to you as it would be to them.

If you need any more information, or need someone to talk to then check out the links below:

– OUT

– Anova