Am I Gay?

Being gay has to do with much more than physical contact with a same-gender person.
Confused Teen
Q
I am in middle school and sometimes I get stressed. When I go to my friend's house, we touch each other and it's fun. At the same time I have crushes on boys. Am I gay?
A
Kids in middle school are just learning about their sexuality and many do explore touching and kissing their same-sex friends. Does that mean you are gay? Not necessarily. Being gay has to do with much more than physical contact with a same-gender person. It involves how a person feels most comfortable in loving another.

I encourage you to look for a school counselor who may have a pink triangle or a rainbow somewhere in his/her office or you know that you can talk to about this whole issue. Talking to someone who understands and has knowledge of what you are experiencing will lessen the stress you are feeling. Be sure and let me know how things work out or if I can help further.

Connie Collins, professional school counselor, worked for 35 years in public education as a teacher and counselor at the middle school and secondary levels. Collins worked daily with the parents of the students in her various schools, and has facilitated several parenting groups.

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