cartoon of gay, lesbian, bi-sexual & transgender young people

Working with gay, lesbian, bi-sexual & transgender young people

Common myths

Myth 1: Being gay and lesbian means that you are having sex
Some people assume that because someone has a gay or lesbian orientation, they are having sex. Many young gays and lesbians have never had a sexual experience but still experience a homosexual orientation. In the same way many heterosexual young people have never had a sexual experience but still experience a heterosexual orientation.

Myth 2: Gay and lesbian young people are promiscuous
Some people assume that gays or lesbians are promiscuous or have many different partners. This is a misconception. Some gay and lesbian people have many partners, some have a few and some aren't having sex, just like other young people!

Myth 3: Gay and lesbian young people don't need information about contraception
Some young people who identify as same sex attracted may have sex with people of the opposite sex. There are many reasons why people (both homosexual and heterosexual) choose to have sex. Sometimes these reasons are based on feelings of sexual attraction, at other times these reasons may include the need for companionship, peer group pressure, societal expectations etc.

A recent study found that 10% of 15-18 year old young women who identify as same sex attracted had been pregnant. This rate of pregnancy is higher than the national rate for young women generally at 8% (as identified in the national secondary school study).

Same sex attracted young women and men need information about contraception as much as other young people. 10