Each year, on different weekends during the summer, parades and parties are held all around Ireland to celebrate LGBT+ Pride. There are more and more services and groups created by and for LGBT+ people – everything from sports groups to religious groups. Others are bringing up children in families that are very like the majority of Irish families. Irish human rights laws mean that LGBT+ people now have the right to equality and cannot be discriminated against. In recent years, Ireland has changed a lot. There’s now a lot more people who are openly LGBT+ who are living happy and fulfilled lives all around Ireland. Some live in long-term relationships with their partners. This word is also used as an umbrella term to describe some groups of people who transcend conventional expectations of gender identity or expression. Transgender: A term describing a person’s gender identity that does not match their assigned sex at birth. Being transgender is about how we feel about our own gender (being male or female). Being gay, lesbian or bisexual is about who we’re attracted to. Note: Being gay, lesbian, or bisexual is different from being transgender. Heterosexual/Straight: A person who is attracted to someone of another gender. Lesbian: A female who is emotionally and sexually attracted to other girls/women. Gay: Someone who is emotionally and sexually attracted to people of the same gender. Gay is usually used to refer to males and lesbian to refer to females, but use whatever feels right for you. Sexual identity: The group or community we feel part of, based on our sexual orientation, either gay, lesbian, bisexual, or heterosexual.īisexual: Someone who is attracted to people of the same gender and also to people of other genders. You can answer the question if you are straight by checking if you have most of the signs below.
Medically Reviewed by our scientific review board. Sexual orientation: This is who we feel attracted to, whether it’s people of the same sex, another sex, or both. (Quiz) Am I Straight (Quiz) Written by OptimistMinds OptimistMinds. For some young people coming out can be confusing at first. For others, you can be sure of your own feelings, but nervous about being different. It’s great that you’re starting to understand your own feelings, that’s the most important thing. Take your time, there’s no need for you to be under any pressure to make decisions about this.Ĭoming out: This is the process of understanding your own feelings about who you’re attracted to. Now you’re looking to meet other young people who are like you.