Sexual Orientation

Sexual Identity

Understanding Sexual Identity

Sexual orientation is generally classified by the sex, or gender, of a person that an individual finds sexually attractive. In simpler terms, it is based on what sex you are attracted to. For instance, if you are attracted to the opposite sex, then your sexual orientation is heterosexual. If you are attracted to someone the same sex as yourself, then that type of sexual orientation is homosexual. Bisexual is when an individual is attracted to both sexes.

Sexual identity is slightly different from sexual orientation in that it pertains to an individual's conception of themselves. Sexual identity is more commonly used to describe an individual's personal perception of their own sex, not who they are attracted to. For an example, if a woman declares herself a lesbian, then lesbian is her sexual identity.

It's not uncommon for some people to be ashamed of their sexuality, especially when they are trying to gather the courage to "come out." This is why it is equally not uncommon for some people with sexual identity issues to develop eating disorders or other addictions.

If you are having difficulties with your sexual orientation and you have developed an eating disorder or addiction as a result, there are many gay-friendly treatment centers available that can help you overcome your situation. These treatment facilities are specially designed to meet the needs of the GLBT population and they offer a safe and friendly haven where you can turn to for help.

For additional information relating to the most effective gay-friendly eating disorder program or gay-friendly addiction treatment program, please call the national helpline at 1-800-542-4610 or visit www.gay-rehab.com.

Sexual Identity Definitions

Lesbian - A lesbian is a woman who is romantically and sexually attracted only to other women.

Gay - The term "gay" is sometimes used when referring to the entire homosexual population, both men and women. It is used in such blanket terms as "gay pride" or "gay history." Whereas lesbian is gender specific, gay can apply to both sexes, yet is mainly used when referring to males who have a sexual orientation to other males.

Bisexual – When an individual is attracted, both romantically and sexually, to people of both genders, they are considered bisexual.

Transgender – Transgender is a term used to describe people who exhibit a partial reversal of gender roles or have undergone sexual reassignment therapies (either surgically or hormonally). These individuals often feel as if they were born the wrong sex. The transgender identity includes the subcategories transsexual and transvestite.

Is Sexual Orientation a Choice?

Psychologists do not believe that sexual orientation is a choice. It is believed that sexual orientation develops in early childhood before any sexual experience has entered the picture.

Many homosexual males and females may feel pressure from family members or church leaders to try therapy in order to change their sexual orientation. This is unnecessary and useless as homosexuality is not an illness and as such, can not be treated like one. In addition, this type of pressure can cause the individual to feel unwanted or unloved, and those emotions can be overwhelming and extremely difficult to deal with. Therapy is better suited to help the individual come to terms with their sexual identity, accept their sexual orientation and help them deal with these emotions and the process of "coming out."

Sexual Identity Issues and Eating Disorders

For many gay men and women, it can be hard not to buckle under the pressure to look thin and therefore turn to drastic measures to control their weight. Whether the weight control or eating disorder is based on body image pressure or the fact that the individual is not yet totally comfortable with their sexuality, it is not uncommon for gay men and women to be at high risk for this type of behavior. Some of the extreme weight-control methods may include:

• Diuretic abuse
• Laxative abuse
• Compulsive exercising
• Anorexia nervosa
• Bulimia nervosa
• Or a combination of these methods

The best solution is to get professional help for your eating disorder and therapy to help you understand and accept your sexual orientation. There is no need to feel ashamed or embarrassed. We can assist you in finding the right kind of help for you, whether you need treatment for an eating disorder, an addiction to alcohol or drugs, or both (dual diagnosis). It's time you got healthy - physically, mentally and emotionally - and we can help. Call us today at 1-800-542-4610. We have staff standing by to take your call now.

If you require confidential assistance in locating safe and effective help for eating disorders, please call the national eating disorder treatment helpline at 1-800-542-4610. Professionals are standing by 24/7 to help. CALL NOW!