Sexuality: Gay, Straight & Bisexual / Question
Published: September 5, 2000
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am 13, and everyone I know is into girls. I have absolutely no interest in girls. Is this bad? Am I Gay?
Signed: Not Interested In Girls Yet
Dear Not Interested In Girls Yet,
In terms of being gay, this is a tough question for TeenHealthFX. Lots of kids your age are attracted to the same sex, and this does not mean they are gay, they may just be experimenting or trying out different feelings.
TeenHealthFX cannot tell you if you are "Gay, Straight, or Bisexual", but we can assure you that it is not bad or wrong to be one or the other. Just because you seem uninterested in girls at this very moment, does not mean that you won't ever be. You are only 13 and may not have developed an avid interest yet. Other guys you hang out with are probably starting to notice girls a lot and talk about them differently than they have before.
At this point in your life everything is going to start to change, the way you look, dress, talk and probably your feelings towards other people including girls. The girls are changing too, so do not think you are alone. You might just need to give your body some time. Everyone changes at a different pace. The important thing to remember is to stay in touch with how you are feeling. Do not force yourself to be interested in girls just because everyone else is - take your time! Rushing into relationships can be harmful and discouraging to both you and the girl.
Keep your head up and remember to listen to how your heart is feeling, this is the best way and a huge step to figuring out who you are and what your sexual preference will be!
If you are very concerned about your sexual feelings and are feeling depressed and upset, you can call the Atlantic Health System 24-hour hotline at (973) 540.0100. If you live in Northern New Jersey and want services in this area, please call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at (973) 889.6350 for a referral.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
About 6.2 million Americans get a new genital HPV infection each year.
