SEX BITES – SEXUALITY

It's common for teenagers – both male and female – to ask themselves if they are gay and to wonder about their own sexuality. But it is only through the slow process of sexual development that an individual learns and recognises his or her sexual preferences.

Being gay, lesbian or bisexual is not a disorder or an abnormality; like heterosexuality, they are legitimate sexual identities.

There are no universal guidelines to identify heterosexual, gay, lesbian or bisexual identities. They're just words we use to define our own – or others' – sexual identities. You don't have to use these words to describe your sexual orientation if you don't want to.

It's worth remembering that, while some people are sure they're gay from an early age, others only discover it later in life.

Teenage sexual experimentation is common and a few casual encounters with someone of the same sex doesn't necessarily mean you're gay – even if it included kissing and masturbation. Also, fantasising about someone of the same sex doesn't necessarily mean you are gay.

There's no right way to work out exactly what your feelings are. Just try to be patient and pay attention to your feelings and sexual urges – eventually you will be able to work it out for yourself.

Boys often worry that they may be gay if they haven't lost their virginity by their late teens. But there is absolutely nothing wrong with being a virgin at any age – male or female.