gay? lesbian? bi? not sure?
worried about 'coming out'?
Are you
a boy who's attracted to other boys and men? Or a girl attracted
to other girls and women? Or you're attracted to both boys and girls?
Or just confused and uncertain about your own sexuality?
There's
no hurry to label yourself as 'gay', 'lesbian' or 'bisexual' - learn to
feel happy
and confident about who you feel attracted to, and don't be in a hurry to tell
people.
It's up to you when you tell and who you tell. You don't have to. Talking to
other young gay
or bisexual people before 'coming out' to friends and family is a good idea.
You could
call a phone line like GYL (01656 649990)... even if you're not absolutely
sure if you're
gay or not. Should
you tell your parents? Are they going to find out anyway? Some people
wait until they've left school or stopped living with their family, but many
mums and dads
are OK about it when they get used to the idea.
So who
are you worried about telling... parents? friends? the person you fancy?
If you're not sure, why not talk things through with someone first? You could
contact
GYL on 01656 649990 or on-line at www.thegylproject.co.uk
Worried
about what's legal? There's
nothing to stop you having a boyfriend or
girlfriend at any age, but now it's legal
to have sex if you're both 16 or over, regardless
of whether it's girl+boy, girl+girl or boy+boy.
Thinking
about sex? You'll need to protect yourself (and your partner) from infection.
'Sex' can include lots of activities which are safe (or fairly safe).Worried
about HIV?
Kissing, masturbating each other are fine... there's no risk. Always use condoms
and lube
for anal sex, and get more advice if you're worried about any aspect of sexual
relationships.
The helplines listed on our help! page will all treat
your enquiry in complete confidence.
There's also a list of sexual health clinics if you're worried about infection.
You should be
able to get free condoms, from a clinic or from the Powys Safer Sex Enterprise
(at the Radical or MAYP bus and some youth clubs).
If you're
reading this... then there probably isn't much of a scene in your area.
There's
no gay youth group in Powys yet, but you may be near enough to Swansea, Hereford
or
Shrewsbury. Or look on the internet for a group where you can chat to people
on-line.
Try: www.gaywales.co.uk or www.gayyouthuk.co.uk
contact us: pals po box 24 llandrindod wells tel 0845 223 5209