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How do I know if I'm gay, lesbian, or bisexual?

303 Answers
Last Updated: 07/14/2021 at 10:14pm
How do I know if I'm gay, lesbian, or bisexual?
★ This question about LGBTQ+ Issues was starred by a moderator on 5/12/2016.
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Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
December 19th, 2015 12:00am
If you are attracted to the same gender more than the same gender. (lesbian or gay). If you love the same gender as much as the opposite.
Anonymous
December 19th, 2015 2:23am
There is no easy way of knowing that you are either of them. It all really just comes with experience and just knowing how you feel with different genders.
Anonymous
December 19th, 2015 9:33am
For me, it has been a difficult to label myself as a single sexuality and I'm still questioning. I think it boils down to how you feel about an intimate relationship with a gender. Does it comfort or puts you off? You'll have to explore, that's the best way to know.
Anonymous
June 26th, 2015 8:30pm
I guess there is no definitive way of finding out. But over some time you can tell, and feel. Who are you attracted to? Who do you think about? How do you see your future? Think about this over some time? You can never define yourself, and never in one single day. Think about it, and talk to me about it :)
SockMonkey25
December 19th, 2015 6:16pm
Curiosity is completely normal, as is an attraction to, even getting a big crush on someone of your own gender, especially during puberty. There is no one test you can take to tell you who you are. Go with your instincts, and remember that whatever you discover about yourself, you are perfect.
Anonymous
December 20th, 2015 7:43pm
You will know this when you imagine yourself with the other gender, with being bisexual you have an attraction towards both genders
enchantingForever73
December 23rd, 2015 4:49pm
It is sometimes very tough to know about your orientation.... but the most basic idea is... AM i attracted to the opposite sex ?(physically) Am i attracted to both the sexes ?(physically) if the answer to the first question is no... and the second question is yes...or bot the the individual is lesbian,gay or bisexual.
Miranda1999
December 24th, 2015 12:07am
You know if your gay,lesbian, or bisexual if you have feelings towards someone which would give the label of you being gay/lesbian/bisexual or if you have an attraction towards someone who would give you the label of being gay/lesbian/bisexual
Anonymous
December 24th, 2015 11:15am
I don't think there is a clear cut answer to this as many people may have different perspectives on what they consider to be gay, lesbian or bisexual. For example, being bisexual is not always a 50/50 attraction to both sexes. In my opinion, knowing what your sexuality is comes overtime it isn't just a switch you can turn on or off. I have struggled with this myself and from my experience it is important to take the time to reflect on how you feel. It's different for everyone and I don't think there is a certain threshold that you have to reach to consider yourself gay/lesbian/bisexual. Be true to yourself and take the time you need. I know this isn't a straight forward solution some of you may be looking for but honestly I don't think there is one, it's totally up to you how you define it and come to terms with how you are truly feeling :)
James12370
December 25th, 2015 12:06am
It is all about how you feel and getting to know yourself. It is important to remember that sexuality is a brand new feeling and it is something that is going to take a while to understand a figure out.
dreamaboutme
December 25th, 2015 8:54pm
Through your emotions. If you feel a strong emotion towards someone of the same sex, then you may be gay - but this is depending on if you only find attraction towards the same sex or both.
Anonymous
December 27th, 2015 2:36am
Sexuality is confusing, and often it's not something somebody just "knows" (although many do!). Eventually the time will come and you'll realise, whether you're 10, or 100, or any other age. Other times talking about it will help you realise, or maybe a specific person helps you to realise.
WittyWaterMelon
December 27th, 2015 12:46pm
Boundless, inexplicable love for somebody of the relevant sex or sexes. In the end, does it really matter? Is it not fine that I love somebody? Isn't that wonderful in itself?
beproud
December 28th, 2015 10:54am
HI! often we are so focused on labels however it is important to just fallow your heart and who you love.
Nithou
December 30th, 2015 12:00pm
Labels are always complicated, you can feel attraction to anyone without feeling forced to take a label. Usually you start to notice that you're feeling attracted towards the same-sex (or both), slowly, or understand that you're attracted to different person than everyone around you. And that's perfectly normal, you have to allow yourself to love who you wants, there is nothing wrong with it :)
FractalBunny
December 31st, 2015 4:48am
Figuring out your sexuality can be confusing. Just look at who you're currently attracted to and who you've been attracted to, and then find a term that feels right for you.
TheMageofHeart
December 31st, 2015 9:04am
Sometimes you just know, other times it takes a bit of effort and experimentation. But it's important to remember not to rush yourself when trying to understand who you are as a person. Because you literally have a lifetime. Sexuality is an amazing thing. And it can't always be labeled by Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual. Sometimes you don't need to label yourself. Sometimes you just need to like what you like and feel guiltless because that's who you are as a person. The most important thing is confidence. How do you know you're gay or lesbian or bisexual? You shouldn't worry about it. Because if the people around you love you for who you are, then it shouldn't be a problem. Love who you love. Be yourself.
Anonymous
December 31st, 2015 10:50pm
By thinking about who you think about most, and who you have, or have gotten "butterflies" around can help distinguish attraction from more casual feelings.
Anonymous
January 1st, 2016 7:13am
You will always know yourself best, and you will find the right answers at the right time. Get to know your likes and dislikes about people. You will discover where your romantic interests lie.
Anonymous
January 1st, 2016 2:38pm
you just kind of know, if you feel attracted to both genders then your bi but if you feel a certin way about one gender than you are gay
WaltzingRavens
January 1st, 2016 4:15pm
Well. the best thing to do is date around. Don't be mean about it, or get in a long term relationship at the same time. Just try and see if you are attracted to the same, other, or both sexes. All that straight, gay, lesbian, or bisexual mean is what gender you are attracted to.
calmingCat38
January 2nd, 2016 12:54am
Well first you should know the meanings of those words. Lesbians are females who are attracted to the same sex. Gays are males who are attracted to the same sex and bisexuals are people who are attracted to the opposite and to the same sex. So if you find your match in any of these, you have your answer.
Anonymous
January 2nd, 2016 5:12am
It's all about butterflies in the stomach, really, you just need to look over your emotional responses to two genders, that is, only those you would've called hot, if you where into them. which ever makes you feel the butterflies, is your long searched for answer. :)
chamomilewizard
January 6th, 2016 2:22am
This one is tricky, because I really cannot tell that sort of thing for you. You have to think about yourself and your feelings, and think about your personal growth and preferences. It requires a lot of thinking, and it's exceedingly difficult, but only you can decide that for yourself. Remember, homosexuals are attracted to their own gender (gay/lesbian), and bisexuals (like myself) are attracted to two genders.
findthebeautythatsleft
January 6th, 2016 3:10am
You don't have to know for sure, unless you want that label for yourself. I would suggest doing some research on what LGBTTQA* stands for and means. There are a lot of different sexual orientations than just lesbian, gay and bisexual- you might find one suits you better than others.
penguinprotector6958
February 6th, 2016 6:05am
To know what sexuality you are just think about if you like the same sex of you or just experiment with the same gender ect.
Anonymous
June 20th, 2015 11:24am
Everyone's experiences are different but if you start finding yourself being physically or emotionally attracted to someone of the same sex then you most likely don't fit in the straight category. There are plenty of people who go through a phase where they want to "experiment" but if you can imagine yourself in a relationship with the same sex where you actually love each other then you're probably gay, lesbian, or bisexual. Hope this helps!
blanket7
January 31st, 2016 1:00am
If you are gay you are a male who is attracted to males. If you are a lesbian you are a female who is attracted to females. If you are bisexual you are someone attracted to males and females. Simple :)
rykairo
January 29th, 2016 2:05am
Well, just think about who you're attracted to. Do you picture yourself with the same or opposite sex? Do you picture yourself with both? Really take time to reflect and if you feel that you can identify with a label, that's great! If you don't that's perfectly fine too.
Anonymous
February 10th, 2016 12:26am
Reading up on the definitions for sexuailtes is a good step for identification. As well, thinking about your previous experiences with romantic and sexual attraction also is helpful.