How can I know for sure that this is who I am, and not just a "phase" like some people have said?

When you can't hide the feelings. If you find it hard to put away these feelings it's not just a phase.

I don't think there really is a way to know. There are things that i thought weren't phases and i was wrong.

The concept of "phase" has been invented by people who want others to be insecure about a sexuality and/or a gender identity they do not approve. The concept has spread and now many people talk about it, without realizing that your identity is not something you can choose or change over time. It is normal to have a questioning phase, but only the questioning moment is temporary, not your identity. Once you have explored your feelings and found who you truly are, once you have searched into yourself enough to discover the true nature that has always been there inside you, that's it, that's your identity, nothing and nobody can ever change it. You're free to live your identity openly, proudly and happily!

Just follow your heart and try not to let other people's comments put doubts in your mind when you would otherwise feel sure that it wasn't just a phase.

You may not know right away, and that's okay. The people who are telling you something is "just a phase" have the wrong idea of what it would mean for something to be a time-limited part of your life anyway. Continue in the way that makes you feel happy and safe in your life at the time. You don't have to know all the answers.

You can't. Thats the amazing thing about life, we can change and morph our personalities and stereotypes all the time. One day we could be one person, and the next a totally different one. There have been times in my life where I was absolutely %100 sure of who I was, then I changed. I feel confident with who I am now, but in 5 years time, I may be someone completely different.

Attraction isn't a phase. Who you have feelings for doesn't just go away. It doesn't change. although you may explore and experiment it doesn't change your sexuality. it's nothing to ever be ashamed of. It's part of who you are. But I'm sure you are other amazing things as well. embrace your differences. Those differences make you special. Standing out is so much more fun than fitting in.

You are the owner of your body, you know what is best and how you should feel. People's words can hurt and even dull your confidence, yet you will always know where you belong and who you are. It may take time, but it's worth it in the end. Trust me, trust yourself.

People are all subject to change and every moment one lives is in a 'phase.' Think of these as the intervals of life itself. You'll never be the same person forever. You'll go through many phases - some may last longer than others but they will be phases nonetheless. Knowing this, do what you want and live.

Identity is constantly shifting and changing. There is no guarantee that you will feel this way forever, and there is no guarantee that you won't. But, for the time being, it's important to view your identity as valid. If you feel this way, this is who you are.