Sexuality

It’s a part of what makes you you!

Sexuality is a big concept that has a huge effect on our lives! It can be about our feelings, attraction, identity and gender identity, body image, gender expression, culture, rights, worldview, pleasure, flirting, making out, and/or sex and relationships.

It’s part of our mental, physical, spiritual and emotional health. We all have sexuality from the moment we’re born until the moment we die, and our sexuality will change and grow throughout our lives.

Rights

Our sexuality is personal and unique to us, which means we might feel and act differently from what we see around us. We all get to make choices and express our sexuality and gender in ways that make sense to us. As long as we’re not hurting or harassing other people in the process, it’s all good.

Below you will find some different rights you have when it comes to your sexuality.

Sexual and Reproductive Health

Whether or not you are having sex you have the right to have a healthy sexuality. This means you have a right to information on any aspect of your sexuality and if you decide to be sexually active, information on how to make sex safer (like how to get and use condoms, sex dams, and birth control). Teen clinics in Manitoba were set up to help teens get free and non-judgmental information and safer sex supplies (check here for the teen clinic nearest you).

If you are pregnant in Manitoba, you also have the right to information on all 3 pregnancy options: abortion, adoption, or parenting and the right to decide what is best for you. The person carrying the pregnancy get’s to decide because it’s their body and their life that stand to be the most affected. For more info on all 3 options check out the Pregnancy Options page.

Attraction

Attraction is about much more than who you find hot. Your attraction is a part of who you are and we all have different amounts. Some people have a lot of attraction and others have none or almost none. Attraction is the combination of the physical and personality traits that happen to turn you on. Everyone has their own personal tastes and preferences, but ultimately you should have the right to have a crush on/date/love anyone you want.

Behavior is whether or not you act on attraction. Sometimes people date even when they don’t want to be dating or they date someone even though they are not attracted to that person because they feel pressured. Sometimes people don’t date who they are actually attracted to because of peer pressure or being scared of what their friends or family might think.

Some people are attracted to people of the same gender or any gender. You may often here people say 2STLGBQ+. Even if the letters aren’t always the same the idea is to show how sexuality is diverse. See below for more information and definitions for 2STLGBQ+.

2STLGBQ+

2STLGBQ+

When you see or hear someone say 2STLGBQ+ it’s meant to represent some of the sexual and gender identities that can be expressed. It isn’t always said or written exactly like we have it written here – using initials can be helpful, but also limiting! So then, what does it all mean? Let’s break it down. 2STLGBQ+ stands for Two-Spirit, Transgender, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer, and + which leaves room for people to self identify in a way that makes sense to them. Check out the definitions below to learn more.

Ally

Anyone who supports the rights of 2STLGBQ+ people and honours sexual diversity.

Asexual

Someone who does not experience sexual attraction

Bisexual

Someone whose sexual and/or romantic attractions are not limited to one sex.

Cisgender

Someone who identifies with the gender identity they were assigned at birth. For example, a person born with a penis and testicles that identifies as male.

Gay

A guy or man who is sexually and/or romantically attracted to other guys.

Heterosexual

Someone who is sexually and/or romantically attracted to people of the opposite gender.

Intersex

Someone who is born with any of many variations in sex characteristics including chromosomes, gonads, sex hormones, or genitals.

Lesbian

A girl or woman who is sexually and/or romantically attracted to other girls or women.

Queer

Queer has been reclaimed as an inclusive, unifying, umbrella term for people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, two-spirit, intersexual, genderqueer and/or those whose sexual identity or activities place them outside the mainstream.

Questioning

Questioning refers to people who aren’t sure about their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. They are often seeking information and support during this stage of their identity development.

Straight

A common term for heterosexual, meaning someone who is sexually and/or romantically attracted to someone of the opposite gender (a girl attracted to a boy, for example).

Transgender

Someone whose gender identity is different from the one they were assigned at birth might identify as transgender.

What do we mean assigned at birth? Think about one of the first things the doctor (or midwife) says when someone is born, “It’s a girl” or “It’s a boy.” This is gender assignment and it is based on an assumption that someone’s genitals match their gender. However, we know this isn’t always the case and that each of us gets to decide what gender we know our selves to be. It may not align with the genitals we are born with or be part of the gender binary (male-female). For example, someone may be born with a vagina but know themselves to be male.

Transsexual (older term)

Someone whose gender identity is different from the one they were assigned at birth and who has taken (or intends to take) measures to change their body to match their gender. This can include but is not limited to surgeries or hormone therapy. The term Transsexual originated in the medical and psychological communities. Unlike transgender, transsexual is not an umbrella term. Many transgender people do not identify as transsexual and prefer the word transgender. It is best to ask which term a person prefers. If preferred, use as an adjective: transsexual woman or transsexual man.

Two-Spirit

A modern English term that an Indigenous person might identify as that comes from the traditional knowledge of Indigenous peoples in Turtle Island/Canada/North America. It can mean a person who walks between genders; one who carries the gifts of both males and females, or one who is gender unique (not specific to any gender) and/or as a way to identify as 2STLGBQ+. When Europeans arrived in North America, they introduced homophobia to many Indigenous nations and dishonoured the idea of what it means to be Two-Spirit. Today, many Indigenous People are reclaiming the ancient understanding that there are more than two genders.

Coming Out as 2STLGBQ+ and Support

Coming out can mean different things to different people, but it basically means telling those around you what your sexual orientation or gender identity is. Sometimes 2STLGBQ+ youth will decide to begin coming out while they are still in high school, or even younger. This can be an empowering and positive experience for many. Some will feel like they can really be themselves for the first time, but if peers, family, teachers, and/or friends are unsupportive, this can sometimes be a negative experience. It is really important that if someone wants to come out, they assess their safety in their community first. A couple of questions to ask yourself are: will I have supports I can count on and will I be safe?

If someone is thinking about coming out, it might help to talk to someone about it first or even during the process. Talking to a school guidance counsellor, teacher, trusted friend or family member, or elder can be helpful in figuring out what you want to say and do. You can also check out the Resources page or ask for help at a teen clinic.

We can all try to make schools a safer place for everyone by not hating on people, by joining or starting a Gender-Sexuality Alliance (sometimes called a Gay-Straight Alliance), and by being aware of our own attitudes and language when it comes to sexuality, and by being a good friend.

Media and Porn

The media is made up of magazines, TV, movies, internet, ads, social media, porn, music videos, video games, etc. The reason why we mention it here is because media is a big part of what influences how we see the world and our sexuality. Think about the messages we get about sex and sexuality from the media, what are the positive ones? What are the unrealistic or unhealthy ones? It’s awesome when the media shows us equality and diversity and good healthy consent and boundaries happening, but sometimes that stuff is missing. We don’t see all people represented in a fair way and when it comes to sexual situations we don’t always see consent or respecting boundaries or safer sex happening.

Ultimately, we get to decide how much and what types of media we are checking-out and it’s always good to think critically about what we are seeing. Next time your watching something or playing a video game try asking yourself: Who made it? Who’s it for? Who’s shown in a positive way? Who’s shown in a negative way? Is anyone left out? What does it say about the people involved? What does it say about what’s not being shown? What stereotypes does it show? Does it seem realistic? And maybe most importantly, how did it make you feel?

Puberty

Our bodies go through tons of changes throughout our lifetime. One of the biggest changes in our lives is called puberty.

The point of puberty is to change a young person into an adult. Some physical changes and emotions that can happen with puberty include:

Physical Changes:

Changes in body shape
Acne
New body hair grows including around the genitals
Changes in voice
Menstruation – getting a period (bodies with ovaries)
Making sperm (bodies with testicles)
Able to reproduce (create a pregnancy)

Emotional Changes:

Changes in mood
Might feel horny
Might feel awkward or confused
Able to think in more complex ways

These changes are caused by hormones. Hormones are chemicals that certain parts of our body send to other areas, telling those parts of the body to change. The emotional changes (in particular, feeling horny) can sometimes come into conflict with our values especially about sex.

It is okay if this feels like a confusing time in your life. Puberty can be an exciting time, but it can also have a lot going on for our bodies and our minds. If you are having a hard time, it’s important to reach out and talk to someone you trust like a parent, a close friend, or a counsellor, about how you are feeling.

Sometimes someone who is figuring out their gender identity may choose to stall or redirect the effects of puberty with the use of hormonal medication. If you want to learn more about these medications check out your local Teen Clinic or call the GDAAY clinic in Winnipeg, (204) 787-7435.

Mind

We have a lot of things that affect our sexuality! Our values, rights, hormones, friends, peers, parents, and the media.

It’s important to remember that in the end, it is up to us to go through everything and decide what is right for us! That’s where our minds come in. Our minds act as a filter and play a HUGE role in our lives.

There are a few things that can make our minds work less than 100%. Some things that can make our minds work differently include:

Drugs (including Alcohol)
Fatigue
Stress
Poor Nutrition
Mental Illness
Abuse and more…

All these things can affect how we think and the choices we make.

By the way, if someone was going to a party and knew they were going to drinking alcohol, there are some things that they can do to stay safer. Check out “How Can I be Safer?” here to learn more!

Questions about Sexuality

Can I stop puberty from happening?

Puberty means the physical and emotional changes that happen when someone grows from a child into an adult. A lot of these changes have to do with making the body ready to reproduce, in other words, being able to get pregnant or get somebody else pregnant.

Puberty is caused by hormones, so the short answer to the question is usually no. The longer answer is usually no, but sometimes temporarily with medical support. Sometimes someone who is figuring out their gender identity may choose to stall or redirect the effects of puberty with the use of hormonal medication. If you want to learn more about these medications check out your local Teen Clinic or call the GDAAY clinic in Winnipeg, (204) 787-7435.

For most of us puberty just happens and it’s pretty much beyond our control. The good news is that everyone has gone through it or will go through it, and it’s a completely normal process. For more info on puberty check out the Body section in Sexuality.

What does horny mean? What does it feel like and why do we get it?

Usually when people talk about being “horny” it means feeling sexually aroused or turned on. People usually start feeling horny during puberty, although some people notice feeling it more than others (in other words, some people might be really horny, and other people not so much). People can feel horny or sexual aroused for a bunch of reasons like thinking sexy thoughts, seeing someone they like, seeing a sexy picture, touching themselves or being touched by someone else. It happens to most of us and it’s totally normal.

Is masturbation normal?

Yes, it’s totally normal. Masturbation is when you touch your body (usually the genitals) in a way that feels good. It’s also a completely safe activity as you can’t get yourself pregnant, or give yourself a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or HIV.

Is it ok to be/not be a virgin?

Having or not having sex is a personal choice. Each of us has the right to decide if and when we are ready to have sex. For some people this may mean having sex in the teen years. For others it may mean waiting until you are older or you may include personal/spiritual values such as waiting until marriage. Other people may never feel ready for sex and that’s okay too. So the answer is, yes it’s totally ok to not be sexually active and yes, it’s totally okay to be sexually active. By grade 12, fewer than 50% of people have had sex, so whichever category you belong to there are lot’s of people doing (or not doing) the same.

We do think it is important to acknowledge that there can be a lot of pressure to have or not have sex. For girls and women the pressure tends to focus on this idea that being “virginity=purity” while for boys and men the pressure can be around having lots of sex. Both of these pressures can set up unhealthy situations and feelings for people. Boys and men also tend to be celebrated for having sex, while girls and women tend to be shamed. This is an example of sexism and is a double standard.

The reality is that no one is better or worse for having had sex or not. The idea of virginity is a social construct, that is to say it is a made up idea in our society. Someone doesn’t change because they have had sex or not. Virginity is also often defined by the idea of a penis entering a vagina. However, we know sex can look many different ways and may not include a vagina at all, or may not include a penis at all. Basically, what we’re trying to say is no matter your gender it is okay for you to want to have sex, and it’s okay for you to not want to have sex.

If we are being sexually active it is important that we understand and use consent.

For more on what it means to be ready for sex click here.

My parents are religious, and don’t approve of my sexuality. What do I do?

Let’s be honest, this is a difficult situation. You have a right to be yourself and express your sexuality in a way that feels genuine and right for you. And it’s hard feeling your parent’s disapproval of a part of who you are and it can be especially hard if you are all living in the same place together. Sometimes in this situation you have to assess your safety first. You may decide to hold off talking with your parents about your sexuality until you are older and not living together or financially dependent on them. You may also choose to never include them in this area of your life. This can be hard to experience but there are places you can reach out for support including the Klinic Crisis Line which is available 24/7 and free to call in Manitoba 1-888-322-3019 or 204-786-8686.

You’re not alone, there are many people who have been in similar situations where the parents or caregivers disapprove of some aspect of their kids/teens sexuality. Although there’s no way to predict the outcome of the situation, we know that in some situations like this parents or caregivers values can shift over time to become more accepting. Even if caregiver’s attitudes don’t change for the better, the situation has the potential to get a little easier when you are on your own and not living together.

The most important thing is for you to be comfortable with yourself. This can be easier to do with supportive people around. Even if it’s not your parents try to surround yourself with positive friends, teachers, role-models, or elders who value and accept the genuine you. In regards to “coming out” (letting your sexual identity be known to others), talk to people who are supportive and that you trust when you feel ready. And again, many youth are going through the same feelings that you are. If you want to talk to someone about any questions you have, contact the Rainbow Resource Centre toll free at 1-855-437-8523 or 204-474-0212. They have information, counseling and programs for youth.

How old do you have to be to have sex?

Great question, we have many of the Canadian age of consent laws written up for you here.

However, there is no “right” age to have sex. Whether or not to have sex all depends on the person and their partner, and whether or not they feel comfortable enough to engage in sexual activity. Ask yourself: why do I want to have sex now? Is this what I want, or am I doing it to please someone else? Can I talk to my partner about sex? Does my partner care what I think? Would I feel embarrassed or ashamed if other people knew I was having sex? Or if they knew I was having sex with this person? Do I know how to protect myself and my partner from STIs and pregnancy? If I have sex how will I feel about it afterwards? Each person should be allowed to make this decision on their own and in their own time.

How do you know if you are gay/lesbian/bi?

This is a tricky question to answer because different people come to recognize their sexual identity in different ways. Some people talk about just always knowing from a young age. Others might say they didn’t think about it until puberty when they developed sexual/romantic feelings towards people of the same gender. Some folks may not realize or come to terms with it until they are an adult and that’s okay too!

We can’t tell you exactly how to figure out your sexual identity, but we can give you some questions that we believe may be helpful to reflect upon.

When you have sexual dreams or fantasies what gender are they usually about?
Have you ever had a crush (romantic feelings) on someone who was the same gender as you?
Do you feel horny (sexually aroused) when thinking about the same gender as you?
If you picture yourself dating or married to someone who is standing by your side?

You might have a strong sense of your sexual orientation already, or you may need time to figure it out. Both are totally okay. For some folks, sexual identity is pretty clear, while others it can be a bit more fluid and develop over time. While having a well-defined label can be helpful for some, it isn’t necessary either. Don’t feel like you gave to label yourself yet (or ever!) if you don’t feel ready.

The Rainbow Resource Centre is a great resource in Winnipeg to explore and learn about sexual and gender identities. They have information, counseling, and programs for youth. Contact them toll free at 1-855-437-8523 or 204-474-0212.

Why do people who call themselves ‘queer’ instead of just being called gay?

Language can really be complicated, especially when one word can mean different things to different people. Language is always changing and growing. We bet you’ve said something to a parent or grandparent and they’ve totally not understood what you were trying to say because the words didn’t exist or mean something different for their generation. Thinking about why people use the language they do can help us make sense of what we might be hearing in the world around us.

The short answer to this question is that some people are more comfortable calling themselves queer. In other words, they feel like that word is better at describing their identity. When someone who is 2STLGBQ+ uses the word queer it can also be an example of how sometimes a word gets reclaimed. This is when a word that was used to hurt people in the past (like queer was) is reclaimed by the people it was used against.

What we call ourselves and reclaiming words is really personal and each person gets to decide what they feel comfortable with. It’s not fair to assume that everybody within a certain group (whether they are gay, lesbian, black, fat, Ukrainian, Métis, hetero, etc.) wants to be called the same thing or sees themselves in the same way. If you’re not sure how to call someone you can always ask in a respectful way, most people will be happy that you want to get it right.

How many genders are there?

The short answer is a whole bunch! Until recently, our society has only acknowledged two genders; male and female. But this has never been true. Many cultures and societies around the world have always known and embraced the knowledge that there are more than two genders. In some cultures there are 3 or 4 genders. Some have traditionally had 7 or 8 while others never bothered with settling on a specific number. An example of gender knowledge on this land is the Indigenous Two-Spirit community.

Other examples from around the world include the third gender Hijara from South Asia, Muxe from the Zapotec cultures of Oaxaca (Mexico) or Ashtime from the Maale people of Ethiopia. These are just some of the many examples from across the world.

It’s important to recognize the role that colonization has played in interrupting the knowledge (tried to stop) that there are more than two genders. It is only through the hard work of trans people and their allies that we finally beginning to see a shift back to embracing, and supporting the gender diverse community.

In modern English language, someone whose gender identity is different from the one they were assigned at birth might identify as transgender. They also might use a different term, which we will get to in a moment. Often trans or transgender is used as an umbrella term for the diversity of genders, however some people may not use the word trans at all, or may use it in partnership with a different word.

We know right now, as society begins to respect and honour trans voices we may be hearing and learning new terms. It might feel overwhelming or confusing. You may wonder why folks need so many labels anyways. The thing with language is it is always changing and growing. Older generations use may mean something different then how you use the word. We are seeing a growth spurt in the area of gender language because it is starting be safer for people to come forward and share who they truly are with the world.

How do you know if you are in love?

Love can mean something different to everyone, but when most people talk about being “in love” they mean they have really strong feelings for another person. Love can mean different things to different people at different times so what it means to be in love might be different, depending on who you ask. Qualities of a healthy, happy, and caring, relationship are things like mutual respect, honesty, comfort, fun, and attraction. These qualities might not equal love, but they are a good starting place for any dating relationship. Sometimes people feel pressure to label their feelings, or to be “in love”. What matters more in a relationship is how you feel (happy, safe, and supported, etc.), not what you call your feelings.

I like someone who doesn’t like me, what should I do?

Liking or having a crush on someone can be fun and exciting, but also kind of stressful if you find yourself constantly wondering whether or not they like you back. Sometimes we might assume the other person doesn’t feel the same way as us, even without talking to them or finding out. When you like or have a crush on someone what you do about it is really a personal decision that only you can make, it depends a lot on how comfortable you are talking to the other person.

Here are a few questions you could think about: does the other person know how you feel about them and do you want them to know how you feel? Sometimes people like having someone to like, but don’t necessarily want anything more. In this case you don’t even have to let the other person know. If you are hoping for something more, you could take a chance and let them how you feel. It doesn’t mean they will feel the same way, but at least you’ll know what they think.

If they end up not having the same feelings it’s normal to feel let down, awkward, and maybe even a little hurt. Rest assured that you are not alone, almost everyone has been there. Since you can’t make someone like you, you just have to respect how they feel and deal with the disappointment. It may not seem like it at the time, but it’s true what they say about there being lot’s of fish in the sea.