Sexuality: Gay, Straight & Bisexual / Question
Published: June 20, 2000
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I fear I may be gay. I occasionally find myself fantasizing about other males. I also have feelings for females too. Is this a normal phase for a 15 year old male or is this uncommon?
Signed: Fear I May Be Gay
Dear Fear I May Be Gay,
What you are feeling is completely normal! Many young men and women fantasize about the same sex and often have same sex crushes. This does not definitely mean you are gay or straight or bisexual.
Only you can define your sexual preference by getting to know yourself and your body. It is important to note that being gay or straight or bisexual is biological and pre-determined. It is not something environmental or something you can change.
Oftentimes, these same sex feeling may make people feel confused, fearful and upset. You stated in your question that "you feared you may be gay". It must be really hard to have such a feeling. Sometimes these fears and other feeling need to be discussed with someone you trust like an adult, doctor, counselor or teacher. They may be able to help you sort out your feeling and deal with any issues associated with your sexuality.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
About a third of women who seek services related to unprotected sex, such as pregnancy testing or emergency contraception, do not receive STD counseling, testing, or treatment.
