Sexual Orientation - Are You Confused? Let Me Explain! - Internet Marketing Australia

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Sexual orientation is referred to as a person's primary sexual attraction. Sexual attraction encompasses the visual signals of how a person looks and how he or she behaves. It is defined as "a person's preference for emotional and sexual relationships with individuals of the same sex, the other sex, or either sex." Three important determinants of a person's social existence are gender identity, gender role and sexual orientation. The development of sexual identities is diverse and complex. Development is nonlinear and not a single step-by-step sequence. It is a highly individualized and personal process for each person.

Gay, lesbian and bisexual individuals face great stigma associated with homoerotic desire, action and identity. These individuals face enormous developmental challenges in a society that is not fully accepting of homosexuality. Society's negative reaction to their sexual orientation increases the risk of medical and psychosocial problems. This population, according to researchers, is more at risk for stressors that are harmful to themselves.

Stressors may include an increased risk for clinically significant distress. Research has found that suicide attempts are two to three time more frequent in this population than among heterosexual adults and adolescents. Gay and lesbian youths are also three times more likely to become drug users. The major reason behind these statistics is social stigmatization. These youths can benefit from parents who are supportive of their identities and from positive gay, lesbian and bisexual images portrayed in the media.

Although some people know early on that they are homosexual, others go through a confusing period. Questions they might be pondering include, Am I different? Could I be gay? Are my feelings just a passing phase? While there is no single answer, your sexual orientation will emerge over time. It is also important to understand the differences between homosexual behavior and homosexual identity. This distinction is crucial because many people engage in same-sex acts without necessarily identifying as homosexual. Alternatively, a person who defines themselves as homosexual may not have actually in any same-sex sexual acts. It is not homosexual acts alone that distinguish your sexual orientation as homosexual. Whether homosexuality occurs from genetics, biochemistry, the effects of parenting, the influence of friends, adult experiences or the larger culture is not important in terms of seeing oneself as homosexual. According to researchers, homosexual identity development is "a process whereby gays and lesbians come to accept their sexual identity over a period of time, as they learn to disregard negative societal messages and recognize the validity of their feelings". This definition notes the importance of disregarding societal message and validating individual feelings.

Sexual confusion, while a normal process of identity development can be stressful. But it is a life-spanning process that can eventually lead to personal acceptance of a postie gay self-image and a coherent personal identity. If you are having difficulty understanding your emotions and thoughts about your sexuality talk to one of our counsellors at mylifeassistant.com.