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How do I know if I'm gay, lesbian, or bisexual?

303 Answers
Last Updated: 07/14/2021 at 10:14pm
How do I know if I'm gay, lesbian, or bisexual?
★ This question about LGBTQ+ Issues was starred by a moderator on 5/12/2016.
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Top Rated Answers
Profile: LGBTsupporterandmemberxo
LGBTsupporterandmemberxo
June 24th, 2015 7:08am
you just know. dont worry about the labels too much, focus on how you feel and what you look for in a partner.
Profile: gradientaesthetic
gradientaesthetic
June 24th, 2015 1:19am
You feel attracted to members of your same sex, or, in the case of bisexual, by your same sex and the opposite gender, or even more, as there aren't two genders only. You have to understand what's sexual attraction in the first place, and learn to differ it from romantic attraction.
Profile: brirose23
brirose23
June 20th, 2015 11:51pm
You will know because you will have an attraction, whether is be sexual or romantic, to that gender.
Anonymous
June 20th, 2015 10:15pm
You just knoww it, but maybe you dont want to accept the fact that you are not as your parents want you to be, as the world want you to be. But, you are who you are, and thats the best thing you can do for yourself, be you.
Profile: RiverStone
RiverStone
June 20th, 2015 4:24pm
More times than not, if you look at someone of the same sex and something inside of you finds that person attractive, you may be something other than straight. If you find yourself focusing on a celebrity that is the same sex as you, that could definitely be an indicator. When I was younger, I thought my fascination with certain celebrities was just me being a fan of their music or acting. No. Turns out they were crushes. Look at some pictures of those people, do you find yourself attracted to them?
Anonymous
July 2nd, 2015 3:37am
It depends on how you feel for others. If you have feelings for another person who happens to be the same gender, then you might be. Just be okay with who you are and realize that if you are gay, lesian, or bisexual, you are a great person.
Anonymous
May 19th, 2015 10:15pm
Here is a little system you can use if you want? :-) ---------------------- A = women B = men Body: A = 3/5, B = 2/5 Feelings: A = 2/5, B = 4,5/5 Add it up: A = 5 B = 6,5 Sex: A = 3,5/5, B = 4/5 Relationship: A = 3/5, B = 2/5 Add it up: A = 6,5 B = 6 ------------------ Sum it all up: A = 11,5 B = 12,5 11,5 + 12,5 = 24 Now in the end A & B in %: A = 48% (11,5 / 24 * 100) B = 52% (12,5 / 24 * 100) Out of 5 choose the numbers yourself.. 1/5 or 5/5 and every number in between - with 5/5 being 100% of course. ;-) Now put the numbers in the system and add it up in the end, it should give a better view on your attraction to both sexes: There you have it, I hope it was helpful?
Profile: VickieLynn
VickieLynn
June 20th, 2015 2:30am
I personally am straight. But I have gone through the dilemma of trying to find out what sexuality I was. I feel that whatever you are drawn too is what is right for you. Nothing wrong with being different :)
Anonymous
June 27th, 2015 8:12pm
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Profile: WangSejabin
WangSejabin
June 19th, 2015 6:17pm
If you feel repulsion for or even just disinterest in the opposite sex, you might be gay/lesbian. If kissing both boys and girls is equally exciting, you might be bisexual. It is something you figure out for yourself. No need to rush
Profile: QueerDeer
QueerDeer
June 19th, 2015 5:13pm
Well, if you've felt most if all of your romantic/sexual interests towards the same sex, honey, you're homosexual. I've liked girls since kindergarten. Say, this might be a bit odd, but if you could picture yourself having sex with someone of the same sex, opposite sex, or both. You are either homo-, hetero or bisexual. However, if you couldn't care less about the gender expression of someone, you are pansexual. If you aren't interested in sex at all, you are asexual. There are several sexual orientations related to asexual, such as greysexual or demisexual. Greysexual meaning you only are interested in people (sexually) under certain conditions. Demisexual being you are only attracted to someone who you have a very strong emotional bond with. Most importantly, it is not wrong to be gay, bi, pan or lgbtqa at all. Accept yourself for who you are, don't let anyone else tell you otherwise about it. It is your lovelife that is your business.
Profile: WonderlandRabbit
WonderlandRabbit
June 19th, 2015 7:12am
If you're questioning whether you are gay, lesbian, or bisexual, youre questioning your sexuality which can only be defined by your own feelings. Who do you feel most attracted to sexually and emotionally?
Anonymous
December 31st, 2015 10:50pm
By thinking about who you think about most, and who you have, or have gotten "butterflies" around can help distinguish attraction from more casual feelings.
Anonymous
December 27th, 2015 2:36am
Sexuality is confusing, and often it's not something somebody just "knows" (although many do!). Eventually the time will come and you'll realise, whether you're 10, or 100, or any other age. Other times talking about it will help you realise, or maybe a specific person helps you to realise.
Profile: WittyWaterMelon
WittyWaterMelon
December 27th, 2015 12:46pm
Boundless, inexplicable love for somebody of the relevant sex or sexes. In the end, does it really matter? Is it not fine that I love somebody? Isn't that wonderful in itself?
Profile: beproud
beproud
December 28th, 2015 10:54am
HI! often we are so focused on labels however it is important to just fallow your heart and who you love.
Profile: Nithou
Nithou
December 30th, 2015 12:00pm
Labels are always complicated, you can feel attraction to anyone without feeling forced to take a label. Usually you start to notice that you're feeling attracted towards the same-sex (or both), slowly, or understand that you're attracted to different person than everyone around you. And that's perfectly normal, you have to allow yourself to love who you wants, there is nothing wrong with it :)
Profile: AliceInWonderland1997
AliceInWonderland1997
September 22nd, 2015 3:49pm
That depends on you. If you happen to like guys more and your a guy your gay or bi if you'd prefer. If you like girls more your lesbian if your a girl ot bi of you'd prefer.
Profile: FractalBunny
FractalBunny
December 31st, 2015 4:48am
Figuring out your sexuality can be confusing. Just look at who you're currently attracted to and who you've been attracted to, and then find a term that feels right for you.
Profile: TheMageofHeart
TheMageofHeart
December 31st, 2015 9:04am
Sometimes you just know, other times it takes a bit of effort and experimentation. But it's important to remember not to rush yourself when trying to understand who you are as a person. Because you literally have a lifetime. Sexuality is an amazing thing. And it can't always be labeled by Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual. Sometimes you don't need to label yourself. Sometimes you just need to like what you like and feel guiltless because that's who you are as a person. The most important thing is confidence. How do you know you're gay or lesbian or bisexual? You shouldn't worry about it. Because if the people around you love you for who you are, then it shouldn't be a problem. Love who you love. Be yourself.
Profile: Celly13
Celly13
June 28th, 2015 8:29pm
How do you know? You know when you realise who attracts you. I'm bisexual myself - leaning towards the lesbian side - and I realised it when I thought back on my teenage years. I hadn't heard much about homosexuality so it never really occurred to me, but when I talked to a new classmate in school who said she was lesbian and commented on how one of the other girls looked. I agreed instantly with her rather sexual comment and started thinking. I thought back and realized it had mostly been women I turned my head for in the streets when they passed me. That's how I knew
Profile: OCDLena
OCDLena
June 28th, 2015 5:43am
It's however you feel. You don't habe to label yourself. Just love whoever you choose to love and be happy
Anonymous
January 7th, 2016 12:53pm
In a very simplistic explaining: Gays and lesbians feel only attracted to the people from the same gender as theirs, while bisexuals feel attracted, not necessarily on the same degree, to both genders.
Profile: findthebeautythatsleft
findthebeautythatsleft
January 6th, 2016 3:10am
You don't have to know for sure, unless you want that label for yourself. I would suggest doing some research on what LGBTTQA* stands for and means. There are a lot of different sexual orientations than just lesbian, gay and bisexual- you might find one suits you better than others.
Profile: chamomilewizard
chamomilewizard
January 6th, 2016 2:22am
This one is tricky, because I really cannot tell that sort of thing for you. You have to think about yourself and your feelings, and think about your personal growth and preferences. It requires a lot of thinking, and it's exceedingly difficult, but only you can decide that for yourself. Remember, homosexuals are attracted to their own gender (gay/lesbian), and bisexuals (like myself) are attracted to two genders.
Anonymous
January 2nd, 2016 5:12am
It's all about butterflies in the stomach, really, you just need to look over your emotional responses to two genders, that is, only those you would've called hot, if you where into them. which ever makes you feel the butterflies, is your long searched for answer. :)
Anonymous
January 1st, 2016 2:38pm
you just kind of know, if you feel attracted to both genders then your bi but if you feel a certin way about one gender than you are gay
Anonymous
August 20th, 2015 6:32am
I can honestly say, that finding out if you are straight, bi, or gay is the hardest question to answer in your lifetime. I myself have just came to terms that I am bisexual, because I can fall in love with a man or a woman. If you are gay the thought of dating the opposite gender wouldn't appeal to you, even though you may date the opposite gender while closeted. If you are straight, you either know you want the opposite sex, or you are a little bi-curious, but could never end up with the same Sex. Don't let anyone around you define who you are. If you like both sexes, you are normal. If you like the same sex, you are normal. If you like the opposite sex, you are normal. It's all love, follow your HEART.
Anonymous
January 1st, 2016 7:13am
You will always know yourself best, and you will find the right answers at the right time. Get to know your likes and dislikes about people. You will discover where your romantic interests lie.
Profile: pegacornqueen
pegacornqueen
October 5th, 2015 4:25pm
Your sexual orientation is who you are sexually attracted to. If you're a guy sexually attracted to other males, you would be considered gay. If you're a girl sexually attracted to girls, lesbian. And if you're attracted to both, bisexual. This however is different from your romantic orientation, which is essentially the same thing, but who you're romantically interested in.