GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL?
You may find yourself being attracted to people of the same sex as you, or people of both sexes. Don't panic - it's ok! It is estimated that at least 1 in 10 people are gay, lesbian or bisexual. There is still a lot of prejudice in society towards lesbians, gay and bisexual people. It can be difficult to find information, or someone to talk to about how you feel without being pressurised or made to feel you are 'wrong' in some way.
For information or someone to talk to in confidence, call in at Castlegate.
York LGB Youth Project - a service for young people under 25 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or who are unsure about their sexuality. They meet 7-9pm on Thursdays (usually city centre) and offer social activities, chill outs, DVD nights and workshops. You can contact a worker for one to one support.
MESMAC - sexual health information, free condoms, support and counselling for men who have sex with other men or who are unsure about their sexuality. They also act as a contact point for social groups.
There is also a Community Development Worker for LGBT youth at Mesmac. Ellen Hill works with young men and women who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning their sexual orientation. She offers one to one support and information about the scene, groups and sexual health. She can also help you if you’d like to make things happen, develop new services or do something about homophobic bullying in your school or college.
Leeds Gay Switchboard website has a directory of support groups, social groups, switchboards, the local scene etc. in the northern area. The site has a useful ‘discreet’ mode at the bottom of the homepage.
If you are gay, lesbian or bisexual or if you are unsure whether you are or not, it may be difficult to come to terms with. The organisations above can talk things through if you're trying to figure things out, or if you are worried about telling people, and how they might react. You can also talk to someone at Castelgate.
There is also FFLAG - a helpline for the families and friends of lesbian, gay and bisexual people.