Sexuality

Many young people know very early on in their life that they are attracted to people of the same sex (gay men and lesbians).  Just as others know that they are attracted to both men and women (bisexuals) and as many others know that they are attracted to people of the opposite sex (heterosexuals). 

However, the law for gay men and lesbians is different to that for heterosexual people.  Gay men cannot legally have sex with each other until they are both over 18.  There is no law about what age lesbians have to be to legally have sex with each other, but if you are under 16 and your partner is older than 16 she could be charged with indecent assault.

Sadly many people today still discriminate against gay men, bisexuals and lesbians, and they may be verbally and physically abusive towards them. This can make it very frightening to think about telling other people that you are a gay man, bisexual or a lesbian and you may need the support of friends and family to do this.  Your social worker and carer should support you with this.  There are also advice lines and organisations that can help you feel supported as a gay young man, bisexual or young lesbian.

Remember that Hertfordshire County Council is committed to making sure that people are not treated differently because of being a gay man, bisexual or a lesbian.  If you feel that you are treated differently to others because of your sexuality it is really important that you speak to someone about it.