Sexuality Fact Sheet Page 3
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Myths about sexuality (cont).

Myth No. 4
Going through puberty and developing your sexuality is easy.

No way! Some people have forgotten how difficult and confronting this time can be in your life. It means getting used to a whole new set of feelings and learning about who you are and what it is you like and dislike.

Myth No. 5
Same sex attraction is not "natural"; it does not exist in nature and is therefore dysfunctional.

From a scientific point of view, it is 'natural'. Any animal, including the human species, is capable of responding to homosexual stimuli. Research suggests that same sex attraction is almost universal among all animals and is frequent among highly developed species. One anthropological study of non-western cultures found that 64% of their sample cultures considered same sex attraction 'normal' and 'acceptable' for certain members of the society.

Myth No. 6
Same sex relationships don't last.

Many people believe that same sex relationships are just short flings and never long lasting relationships. This is not true. They are relationships just like any other, and like any other, some last and some do not. However they may be under more social pressure than other relationships and this may affect how long they last.

Myth No. 7
People chose to be GLBTIQ.

There are many theories about how people 'become' GLBTIQ. Some suggest there is a genetic reason, that is people are born with a tendency towards a certain sexuality. But sexuality is just one aspect of person, and the different ways of being reflect the diversity in humans in general. It is interesting that people don’t often look for a 'cause' of heterosexuality, eh?

Your sexuality and your family and friends

Your family will probably notice the changes that you go through relating to your sexuality. (They will see the change in your behaviour, lifestyle, personality, values and so on). If this time in your life is difficult, try to let them know that you are going through a difficult time and that you don't want to be teased and that you have the right and desire to be respected. You could even give them a copy of this topic.

Heterosexism
Heterosexism is the belief that people who aren't heterosexual are not 'normal' and they are therefore excluded, joked about, hated and so on. Many societies support heterosexism by not portraying GLBTIQ people as 'normal', happy or without disease. Try and think of a movie you have seen lately that showed a GLBTIQ person to be happy and healthy and without there being a special 'theme' about gay life. In many cases, if a GLBTIQ person is in a movie, then the movie is about their sexual identity, and not about anything else. Heterosexism will be reduced when the focus is on who we are and not what our sexual choices are.

Homophobia
Many people who are open with their sexual orientation encounter discrimination, prejudice, put downs and disappointment from people they don't know and from people they love because of homophobia, (a fear of homosexuality). If you are experiencing homophobia or questioning your sexual identity or orientation and don't feel supported, try linking into a support group or talk to a counsellor who can help you with your situation. Homophobia is discrimination. Check out our topic Discrimination to learn more.

Understanding and supporting sexuality
You may or may not know anyone who is GLBTIQ but you can still contribute to an equal, supportive and non-discriminatory society. Here are some tips to accepting any identity.

  • Be open in conversations about your acceptance of GLBTIQ people. Make sure your friends know that you are accepting of people's choice.
  • Assume that 10% of people you go to school with, play sport with, work with and socialise with have GLBTIQ families and friends.
  • Respond to anti-GLBTIQ comments just as you would defend any other injustice.
  • Try and educate people about the issues surrounding sexual identity.
  • Read this topic with others.