Sexual orientation

If you fancy people then you have a sexual orientation. Most people will either fancy people of the opposite sex, people of the same sex or people of both sexes. The labels that are most often used to describe these types of sexual orientation are:

Straight (or heterosexual): This means people fancy people of the opposite sex – so a boy who fancies girls or a girl who fancies boys.

Gay (or homosexual): This means people who fancy people of the same sex – so a boy who fancies boys or a girl who fancies girls. Gay doesn’t just refer to boys!

Lesbian: This means girls who fancy girls. A girl who fancies other girls might call herself lesbian or gay.

Bisexual (or bi): This means people who fancy people of both sexes.

Transgender: This means someone who identifies and lives as a different gender to that assigned at birth.

Questioning: The process of exploring your own sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

Stonewall provide resources and information for LGBT people. If you would like to talk to someone call 0300 330 0630 (10am – 10pm) or alternatively you can ring the FREEPHONE information line on 0800 050 20 20 (Mon-Fri 9:30am to 4:30pm).