What is sexual orientation?

Sexual orientation is determined by the sex or sexes you are romantically, physically, emotionally, and sexually attracted to. Heterosexuals are individuals attracted to the opposite sex, homosexuals are individuals who are attracted to the same sex, while bisexuals are people who are attracted to both sexes. Homosexual men are usually referred to as gay while homosexual women are referred to as lesbians.

The term sexual orientation refers to the gender (that is, male or female) to which a person is attracted. There are several types of sexual orientation that are commonly described:

• Heterosexual. People who are heterosexual are romantically and physically attracted to members of the opposite sex: Heterosexual males are attracted to females, and heterosexual females are attracted to males. Heterosexuals are sometimes called "straight."
  
• Homosexual. People who are homosexual are romantically and physically attracted to people of the same sex: Females who are attracted to other females are lesbian; males who are attracted to other males are often known as gay. (The term gay is sometimes also used to describe homosexual individuals of either gender.)
  
• Bisexual. People who are bisexual are romantically and physically attracted to members of both sexes.

The Media…is there an influence?

With media playing such an important role in the lives of today’s teens, it is no wonder that many of the messages about teen sexuality come directly from the media they consume. Primetime television, once considered “family hour,” is now a target for sex-toned themes in both action and innuendo. A recent study by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that more than half of all television programs, excluding news, sporting events, and children’s programming, contained sexual content, incorporating an average of more than three scenes per hour. Less than 10% of the programs with sexuality themes incorporated any reference to the consequences of sexual activity. Another study by the same group found that teens believe the media have some influence over their sexual decisions. The study found that three out of four 15-17 year olds (72%) indicated that sexual content on TV influences the behavior of their peers "somewhat" (40%) or "a lot" (32%). Not surprisingly, only one in four think it influences their own behavior.

What's It Like for Gay Teens?

For many people who are gay or lesbian, it can feel like everyone is expected to be straight. Because of this, some gay and lesbian teens may feel different from their friends when the heterosexual people around them start talking about romantic feelings, dating, and sex. They may feel like they have to pretend to feel things that they don't in order to fit. They might feel they need to deny who they are or that they have to hide an important part of themselves.

These feelings, plus fears of prejudice, can lead ......

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