Accepting Your Sexuality

A person with an alternative sexual orientation may go through a lot of emotional turmoil, restlessness and agitation on discovery that he/she has a different sexual inclination as against the commonly accepted and socially acknowledged heterosexual norm.

People start out by believing that they are meant to be attracted to the opposite sex; however, they may discover that they do not feel the same way. They may be attracted to the person of the same sex as theirs and may find it to be their own natural inclination. Some of them may ignore it or neglect it, however, may not be able to overcome their interest and inclination to the person of same sex.

Discovery that the person has a homosexual tendency can create a state of confusion, fear, insecurity, vulnerability, shame, embarrassment, anger, hatred with self for being this way, feeling that something is wrong, that it is a mental illness, it needs medical treatment and so on.

Accepting the fact of homosexuality can be difficult especially since it is not the way of the majority. The lack of openness about the issue, opposition about homosexuality, fear of religious teachings can all create panic and fear in the minds of homosexuals.

However, it may be encouraging to know that though homosexuals are a minority, this practice is an age-old phenomenon, and is not a disease, a mental condition or abnormality neither a form of sexual disorder. It may be as natural a tendency as heterosexuality.

To overcome your fear, confusion and insecurity, getting in touch with groups that are pro-homosexuality will give you confidence and strength to accept your sexuality. Joining a gay or lesbian group through social networking sites can be a good beginning.

Getting in touch with NGOs or institutions that advocate rights of homosexuals can give you a platform to express your feelings, overcome your insecurities and fears, and form supporting and meaningful relationships with people who accept you and value you for what you are.

The unity and bonding with similar thinking people can create a feeling of empowerment and strength to assert for your rights and fight discrimination.