What is sexuality
Sexuality is about your sexual feelings, thoughts and behaviours towards other people. It's possible to find other people physically, sexually or emotionally attractive and all of these things contribute to one's sexuality.
Sexuality is very diverse and although it is an important part of who you are, it is good to remember that it does not have to define you. Everyone can decide the extent to which their sexuality plays a role in their life.
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What sexualities are there?
Heterosexual
This defines people who are attracted to the opposite sex, it is also referred to as straight.
Homosexual
This defines people who are attracted to the same sex. Lesbian tends to refer to women who are same-sex attracted while gay is most commonly used to describe men who are same-sex attracted, however, gay can be used to describe any gender.
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Bisexual
Someone who is attracted to both men and women is referred to as bisexual. It is important to know that the attraction does not have to be equally weighted, it is possible and completely valid to have stronger feelings for one gender over the other.
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Asexual
Someone who doesn't experience, or experiences minimal sexual attraction is considered asexual. Asexuality is not a choice like abstinence or celibacy, it is a sexual orientation just like homosexuality or heterosexuality.
It is also possible to experience sexual attraction rarely or infrequently and this can be considered grey-asexuality. Likewise, some people may experience sexual attraction only after developing a strong emotional connection with a person, this is known as demisexuality.
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It's okay not to have a label!
Sexuality is a fluid spectrum, and everyone experiences their sexuality differently. It is okay for your sexuality to shift and guide you in different directions throughout life, and it is okay to not identify with any of the above labels.
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Some people prefer to refer to themselves as queer, an umbrella term that encompasses the state of not being heterosexual in a heteronormative society. Other people identify as pansexual to show that they are attracted to a range of people regardless of their gender identity or gender expression.
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Whether you choose to identify with a label or not, the most important thing is that you are comfortable in yourself and are surrounded by an understanding and accepting community of people
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LGBTQ+ resources and support
Sometimes people can experience discrimination due to their sexuality, or experience emotional issues and distress. This can be extremely isolating and sexuality can be difficult to navigate and work through especially as a student and a young person. Listed below are various LGBTQ+ resources and charities offering different forms of help and support for all LGBTQ+ people.
The Exeter LGBTQ+ society aims to promote a welcoming and inclusive space for all LGBTQ+ students, to campaign for student welfare and host fun social events for everyone involved.
NSP is the UK's biggest LGBTQ+ student event hoster. They host an annual event every February that includes inspirational talks, pride parties and the UK's largest queer-inclusive career recruitment fair for LGBTQ+ students.
Stonewall is an LGBTQ+ rights charity. They provide information and resources and host events for the LGBTQ+ society. Their goal is to create a world where all LGBTQ+ people are free.
AllSorts Youth Project supports and connects young LGBTQ+ people under the age of 26. They have a free helpline that runs from 10am-5pm Monday to Friday at: 01273721211. They can also be reached at their email address: youth@allsortsyouth.org.uk.
The National Lesbian and Gay Switchboard provides information and a support helpline for LGBTQ+ people. It is very inclusive and run by voluneers who all identify as LGBTQ+ so it is a safe and confidential space to seek support and advice. Their phone number is: 03003300630 and they can be contacted through the support email: chris@switchboard.lgbt.