Is it really valid to label a teen  as gay or lesbian?
346905
you know when you know
1121956
Best term to identify a Lesbian with is their name! Why should there sexuality define them?
3251
Well, if you catch them engaged in a sexual act with a person of their same gender then that would be a good sign. \nI almost cringe to even answer that question because I do want to perpetuate stereotypes of homosexual people and I do not want people to think that there are real "signs" of being gay as though gay people are so different. Bottom line, it's probably none of your business. If you are a family member or are concerned for a friend's emotional wellbeing then maybe you could ask them. But if they are not "out" then you should not tell. Sexuality is a very personal thing and having a sexuality that is different or considered "wrong" by  mainstream society or that person's family can be especially painful. Again if you are a family member or a concerned friend then offer a sympathetic ear and your ability to be sensitive and keep a secret. Otherwise, concern yourself with  more pressing matters.\n\nRemember when addressing this that any sexual prefernce is not chosen. People are born with it. And even if people believe it is a matter of environment and not a matter of biology then know that it is still out of that person's hands. Please remember to be kind and understanding of all people and their sexual orientations.
431528
They couldn't be gay since they have a set of both organs.\n\nNo, depending on how their raised if they decide once they're grown to go the other way I suppose they're considered gay.  I wouldn't though if I knew they were born a hermaphrodite because its usually the persons parents who choose whether they'll grow up a boy or girl.\n\nDo you get what I mean now?
242076
That is pretty stupitd in the first place!!\n\nI have nothing against lesbians or gays, but I do think that is a very lousy excuse to become one.  You should define your sexual preferences because of how you feel about other people.\n\nIf you think you like people of your own gender then you are gay or lesbian.  But you do not become gay or lesbian for not being able to hook up.  And by the way 3 months? I've known girls that have been alone for almost a year and they don't stop liking boys because of that.\n\nI think deep inside she always wanted to be lesbian and this is the only excuse she could find (a pretty lame one)
1129474
You can't really determine your sexuality untill around the onset of puberty, but when that time comes and you're staring at the same teachers that the opposite gender is.,.. there's a clue that maybe you dont swing the standard way.\nBut let me ask you this, if they cant be born gay, that means you couldnt have been born straight, and was there ever a time when you were thinking hmmm, girls or boys, girls or boys...?
692085
I am assuming you are referring to a homosexual relationship for teens with a person over 18. The teens are not emotionally developed or morally strong. They may know that sex is wrong without a serious relationship, or with someone old enough to know that teens aren't old enough, but may not want to disappoint the adult. I find adults that persue teens ill. There are those who claim they "love" someone, but it's the same for a teenage girl, wait until you are 18 then you can make up your mind. A boy of 13 is that, a boy. Males mature alot slower that females, so they should make it 21 for males for emotional reasons. My son had his first gay experience at 15 with another 15 year old. That was two boys on the same emotional level, not a man manipulating the experience.
1011487
Being a lesbian doesn't have a national age restriction. The reason for this is that being a lesbian has never been much of an issue here..(UK). In the eyes of the law that is. If you were a homosexual man, then life was going to be much harder. Women never suffered the same persecution because Queen Victoria never believed that two women could have that kind of relationship together and rubbished the claims as ludicrous! (happy days! hehe!!) So, believing that it was impossible in the first place, there were no laws passed as to how it should be regulated and as such women could not be punished for it!....\nHowever, all that being said, if one is embarking on sexual escapades with another person, generally i would say the age of 16 rule should apply. This is purely for the fact that i think you should be both physically and emotionally ready before you consider sharing your body with someone else no matter what your orientation..
844297
Yes ofcourse, I would think many stereotypes are valid but only when stated properly in the form of a generalization. Why else would they exist? But you must decide whether there's a difference between a "stereotype" and a "generalization". Most people use the two ideas interchangably. If what ur using or talking about is really a generalization, then ur not making an absolute or undebatable statement on something. Stereotype's are usually invalid when they claim to be absolute or undebatable by using words like "always", or "never". If however, it's presented as a generalization using words like "most" "usually" etc, then it could be valid statement. And for that reason, many stereotypes can be all or partially valid. Or they would never have appeared in the first place. But I think in ur question you are also refering to  those fashionable constructs about people that place them into groups. Those relationships between a person and some behaviour or artical of clothing that puts everything into one package. Well, even some of those constructs must have some basis for having come along. My best advise is when deciding about whether a particular idea is valid or not ...try exercising some of ur own analytical skills as well. Don't simply accept everything that peers, fashion or media may be stating.
740641
I have known many teens who have been, sort of, bisexual for a few years then settled into a life style that best suited them-either GLB or even transexual. They were testing the waters and getting the best of both worlds so to speak.\nI, personality, see nothing wrong in this for it gives a better understanding of self and other life styles. These teens that I know are more secure in their sexual needs and relationships and more accepting of others.\nAs to being a passing phase-No, I would not put it that way-they are exploring their own sexuality and body needs.
1160205
Becoming lesbians?  I don't believe your premise.  Lesbian/Gay are born that way, and things are no different today than they have ever been in regards to percentage of Gay/Lesbian people.
567424
Well I'm bi, and as far as labels, it really doesn't matter, just enjoy life and have fun.  If you fall for a guy then pursue that avenue, and if you fall for a girl then pursue that avenue.  Rigid categories don't help anyone.  It's like saying well I like mayo more so I can never have mustard on a sandwich...don't box yourself in and just let life happen.  The most imporant part is for you to be happy and find a partner who loves you as much as you love him/her.  If you want to call yourself gay, then call yourself gay.  If you want to call yourself bi, then call yourself bi.  That's really a label that you have complete control over.  Good luck man!
680607
no it just mean you may have homosexual or bisexual tendencies. and it's completely normal to experiment, just don't get caught together or your parents will freak and you may end up being forbidden to see her not to mention the laughing stock of your school. As you get older people accept it but it's a very private thing. But it's definetly safer than sex and it helps you get to know your own body.
50553
Yes, I think so because many people just are in closet! Therefore, statistics are untrue or refer to the people that have claimed their position openly. But in my opinion there are a lot of other gay or bi people in the world around!
636838
Gay and Straight are very limiting labels.  I tend to think of things on more of a continuum.  If you tend to be attracted ONLY to men romantically for lasting relationships.  Then I would consider you mostly Homosexual.  \n\nIf you are attracted ONLY to females romantically for lasting relationships I would consider you mainly Heterosexual.  \n\nAnything else,  liking to be physically sexual with men or women, being mildly attracted to men or women, somewhere in the middle.  I think most people are bisexual to a certain degree.  People just tend to lean more to the hetero or the homosexual side.
238228
No.  I believe some people are born with gay tendencies, but they still have a choice whether to act on them on not.  Being gay shouldn't be classified with theives and murderers though.  They aren't harming other people.  One can have their own beliefs without using harsh words or bashing.  It is against God to be gay but we are all under construction and have to find out the hard way on everything on this earth.  God said "Judge not, lest you be judged".  A gay person may be living in sin and won't admit it but they still have feelings and the right to be treated with respect just like everyone else.  How else will they open their ears to the truth?
481399
Why are we always trying to label ourselves as one thing or another. Other than for marketing purposes, there is no reason to believe that the word homosexual means anything other than an action. It should not be a description of a person. We are far too complex to fall in these types of categories. People have tendencies for many things. Accept who you are and fill your life with satisfaction. Society has created categories for people. My opinion is that there is no one category for me.....gay, religion, or anything like that. \n\nJust a thought, \nI'm Joe