Gender Identity

Gender identity is generally found between the ages 13 and 19 years old. This is when teens are gaining new experiences, emotions, relationships, expectations and all of this can become overwhelming for any teen that age. However, adding gender identity into the mix of everything else that is happening within themselves and around them can cause these years to be the most confusing time for teens. They will find it hard to navigate their gender identity around school and/or home, with their doctors or even with their friends.

One's gender identity is their inner most concept of self as a male, female, both or neither; outside of that, they could fancy the same sex, or a different sex than what they were assigned at birth. The two words that are most used when it comes to what gender you are attracted to are Gay or Lesbian, Bisexual (Bi) or straight; Gay means you like the same sex as yourself, either male or female, Bisexual means you like both, Lesbian is when you are a girl and only like girls and the last one is straight as in you only like the opposite sex.

Finding the confidence to tell a friend or a parent that your gender identity or sexual preference does not fit the societal norm can be an emotional journey. You don't know how they will react or when the right time to tell them will be, telling someone or “coming out” should happen when the time comes and when you're ready. It is a massive thing to tell family members and close friends your secret, at the best of times we may not be able to have any sort of control over our “coming out”. There are ways for you to be able to overcome that fear; if “coming out” is important to you, there is a website called ‘Gender Spectrum’ that offers guidance and helpful recourses for you to look at.

I have asked a few people that I know that who are straight, bi, gay, and lesbian to tell their stories, and I have put some of their quotes below. When I get more back, I’ll create another article about friends who happily tell their stories, how they coped, what they did and many other things. Hopefully, this can help you can feel more settled with what you feel and what you may want to do.

You are not alone out there. Everyone is in the same boat there is no shame in who you are; people have to accept who they are at the end of the day.

Gender Identity Quotes Extra

I have amazing feedback from people who I have asked and they have commented. I would like to ask that you please respect other’s comments about their thoughts and people who are brave enough to come out to talk to me about their experiences.

There are so many young people out there who are afraid to come out. This is either because they are afraid of being judged, know how strongly one or both parents feel, or they know in the past that there have been laws about it. I will most likely to revisit this in a few months or so if people would like me to come back to this topic.

The comments below are those that I have received so far from people that I have asked about their experiences coming out. One person called Lee has offered to answer any questions if anyone is struggling to come out; or ask for advice, if you have any please contact me through [email protected]. This is where you can ask your questions and I’ll email them over to him. If you would like to remain anonymous please inform me.

“Can’t say I wasn't shocked but I’m fine with it. It's her life not mine lol (smiles)’ ‘She is what she is at the end of the day. She still my beautiful Sammi’ by Sarah, her daughter is Bisexual

“Yes always been straight hun. Been involved in a lot of sexual action with men and women both; there are some more than other in different situations, but never been attracted to male. Only female.”

“I can appreciate a good looking body but not want to kiss it or sleep with it. Have no problem being naked with other men though” By Gareth, who is straight

“No, it's not a sin to the Muslim faith” By anonymous on the religious backgrounds side of things

“My parents were absolutely fantastic when I told them. I introduced them to my boyfriend whilst I was at university and never expressed any problem with it all. I had known that I was gay since Secondary School(UK meaning); maybe towards the end of college, and told my friends. None of them seemed surprised and all accepted to was normal with no fuss. There wasn’t a clear point at which I knew I was gay but to realise that I had much stronger feelings and attractions towards male models. I did briefly wonder if I was bisexual but I understood quickly that I didn't have romantic feelings for people of the opposite sex. I have had any negative reactions thankfully. I’m happy any questions but I hope this helps” By Lee, who is gay