'Coming out' is the process of working out your sexual orientation and becoming comfortable enough to disclose this to other people.
Not everyone who is attracted to people of the same sex, or perhaps just one person of the same sex, is comfortable with the terms lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.
Whatever you choose to call yourself all these feelings are normal and healthy. Feelings can change throughout your life. Some people don't realise they are gay, lesbian or bisexual till they are much older. Others know from a very young age.
It can be difficult and confusing for people who are not sure about their sexual orientation. It's always easier to talk through these feeling rather than go through it alone.
If you feel the need to talk confidentially about sexuality or coming out you might want to contact one of the services listed in the directory section of the website. The links below will take you to sites which contain lots of detailed information on LGBT issues.
Links
- PHACE Scotland: www.phacescotland.org
- Strathclyde Gay and Lesbian Switchboard: www.sgls.co.uk
- Beyond Barriers: www.beyondbarriers.org.uk
- AVERT: www.avert.org
- Steve Retson Project: www.steveretsonproject.org.uk
- Healthy Gay Scotland: www.healthygayscotland.com
- LGBT Youth Scotland: www.lgbtyouth.org.uk
