Sexual orientation

Sexuality is an important part of who we are as humans. Beyond the ability to reproduce, sexuality also defines how we see ourselves and how we physically relate to others. Sexual orientation is a term used to refer to a person's emotional, romantic, and sexual attraction to individuals of a particular gender (male or female).

Sexual orientation generally is divided into 3 categories:

  • Heterosexual: attracted to individuals of the opposite sex
  • Bisexual: attracted to members of either sex
  • Lesbain and gay: attracted to individuals of one's own sex

Sexual orientation involves a person's feelings and sense of identity; it may or may not be evident in the person's appearance or behavior. People may have attractions to people of the same or opposite sex but may elect not to act on these feelings.

Everyone has a right to a happy, healthy life. This includes personal and sexual relationships that are safe and pleasurable.

Across all parts of this site there is useful information about sex and relationships for everyone, however this section has particular information and support for lesbian and gay people.

Sandyford clinics welcomes everyone but also has clinics for gay men (SRP), lesbian women (Sappho Service), bisexual and transgender people.

This section of the website will look at:

  • Coming out
  • Homophobia
  • Issues for women who have sex with women
  • STIs and safer sex
  • Safer sex for men who have sex with men
  • Help and support