Sexual Orientation
Sexual orientation is a term used to describe a person’s pattern of attraction based on gender. We describe this more and offer some tips and resources for coming out.
What is Sexual Orientation?
Sexual orientation may include attraction to the same gender, a gender different than your own, both or neither. Sexual orientation may be emotional, erotic, romantic, and/or sexual.
Sexual orientation is often an important part of someone’s identity. When we identify as a certain sexual orientation, we may feel that we belong to a particular community.
Sexual orientation may change over the course of a person’s lifetime. A person may identify with a sexual orientation that is different from who they actually have sex with. For example, a person may identify as bisexual, but have sex mainly with people of the opposite sex. Or, a person may identify as gay, but sometimes have sex with someone of a different gender.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Some Common Terms Used to Describe Sexual Orientation:
- Bisexual – attracted to both sexes
- Heterosexual/straight – attracted to a different sex
- Homosexual – attracted to the same sex
- Lesbian – women attracted to women
- Gay – generally, men attracted to men, although some women attracted to women also identify as gay
- Pansexual – someone attracted to all sexes/genders, including transgender
- Asexual – someone who does not experience sexual attraction, but may feel other types of attraction
- Questioning – someone who isn’t sure who they are attracted to
Coming Out
“Coming out” is the process of becoming aware of your sexual orientation and/or gender identity, accepting it, and telling others about it.
Coming out can be a very positive experience when friends and family are supportive and the person feels they can finally be themselves. For some people, the idea of coming out can be scary. Some fear negative reactions or rejection from friends and family. Societal attitudes and discrimination can make coming out harder.
For many people, coming out is something that happens over time. There is no “best way” to come out. It will be different for each person and it will depend on the situation and relationships. If you decide that you would like to tell people about your sexual orientation and/or gender identity, here are some things you might want to consider:
Make sure you are ready
Are you comfortable with telling your sexual orientation and/or gender identity? There is no obligation or rush in coming out to your family, your friends or your co-workers. Take some time to think about the way you want to come out and to whom.
Do You Have Support?
Look for LGBTQ2IA+ groups in your area, or go online for support. It can help to find people who will understand. You don’t have to go it alone!
Make Choices About How and With Whom You Share
Choose a time and place when you, and those you are telling, have time to talk. If you are feeling tired or emotional, you might want to wait until you are rested and calm. If it is important to you that others not share your story, then tell people that. You can ask them to not talk about this without your permission. You can choose to come out to some people and not others.
Be Prepared for Different Kinds of Responses
Some people may respond with support and happiness for you. Others may be surprised and not know how to react. Some may respond negatively, or need time to process. If you get a negative reaction, find support is available from others who understand what you are going through. Remember, you deserve support for who you are.