Sexual identity and sexual orientation

Think alone or with your classmates:
What is sexual orientation? What do you know about it?

Sexual identity is the way a person thinks about their sexual and romantic attractions. Sexual orientation is a part of sexual identity and it’s defined by your gender and the gender of the people you are sexually and emotionally attracted to. Everyone has the right to define their sexual orientation. This means that other people don’t have the right to tell you what your sexual orientation is. You also have the right to not define your orientation.

Choose the correct answer:

CASE: What to do when you think you might not be straight?

Emma is a fourteen-year-old girl. She has a crush on her friend Olivia. They also go to the same school. Emma would like to tell Olivia about her crush, but she’s afraid of her reaction and losing their friendship. Emma hasn’t talked to anyone about her feelings and is feeling very anxious about the situation.

Discuss these questions in class:

What could Emma do in this situation?

Who could Emma talk to about her feelings for Olivia?

If Emma tells Olivia how she feels, what could happen?

What are the reasons that can cause a person to feel anxious about having a crush on a person of the same gender?

If Emma decides to tell her parents, how can their reactions affect Emma’s situation?

Who could you talk to in a similar situation? A class can be divided into smaller groups and each group will try to think where they could get support in this situation.

Could you talk to your parents, other relatives, teachers, health care professional or friends?

Is there phone or internet support available?

Are there peer support groups in your area?

All the suggestions can be combined into a list that each student can take with them.

Emma told Olivia that she has feelings for her. Olivia was feeling the same way and was also afraid to tell about her feelings for the other girl. The girls have started dating and have shared some hugs and kisses in the schoolyard. Now some other students have started to call them names and told them that it’s unnatural for two girls to be together.

Could this kind of behaviour happen in your school?
What could you do so that everyone is treated equally in your school?