Q2A

Got an enquiry ........

I'd like some information, i'm struggling with my sexual identity

This is our reply.......

Hi Jodie, thanks for your email.

It can be a very lonely and confusing time if you're feeling different from your friends,
especially if they make a big deal about getting off with boys. So we're glad you felt able
to share this with us.

Sexuality has many different forms, and perhaps it's come as a bit of a shock to realise
that you might not be straight. We say 'might' because whilst growing up it's common to
wonder about your sexuality. Some people go through different phases until their sexual
identity eventually becomes clear; others know from a very early age what form their
sexuality is.

The different forms of sexuality are:

# bisexual - a person attracted to both males and females
# gay - men attracted to men
# heterosexual - males attracted to straight females and vice versa
# lesbian - women attracted to women
# transgender - people who are physically male or physically female but feel inside that
    they are the opposite sex
# transsexual - dressing up and acting like the opposite sex

We want to reassure you that to be confused by your sexual identity is very common;

for some people it is part of growing up, for others it is part of the process of maturing

into their true selves. For many it is a difficult and lonely journey. But there is support

out there. We would be glad to talk more with you and there are other people who will

be happy to talk to you, here are some suggestions:

# http://www.clashonline.co.uk/lgbt-local-initiatives.asp tells you about what's
   happening in Lancashire

# Project Oscar 0800 783 5345 - you'll see them on the webpage we listed above

# Women Supporting Women is a volunteer-led organisation that runs self-help and
development groups for women in Lancashire. Contact details: email:
womensupportingwomen@tiscali.co.uk or text 07847 385691

# Lesbian & Gay Foundation www.lgf.org.uk

# POUT is a group for young people between the ages of 14-25 who are Gay,
Bisexual, Lesbian, Transgender or just not sure! Their information reads like it
could really help you so we have copied a bit more of it. They say 'we meet in Leyland
one evening from 7:00pm till 9:30pm. Don't be scared! The group is entirely
confidential no one will "out" you and we always welcome new members to the group.
Make contact! You don't even have to use your real name. Contact one of the Youth
Workers and they will support you in coming to the first meeting. Leave a message on
the Pout answerphone on 0800 783 1524 or email pout99 @hotmail.com or telephone
Project Oscar on 0800783 5345 for the latest information'. (You can find this info on the
Young Peoples Service website, www.lancashire.gov.uk/yps. Search for Pout and it goes
to Chorley, scroll down and you will come to it).

We hope this is helpful to you, if we can help anymore, with this or with anything else,
please do get in touch with us again, through q2a.

Take care

Q2A

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