► L.G.B Students

Statistics have shown that 1 in 10 people are gay, yet many people claim that they don't know or have never met any lesbians, gays or bisexuals. The truth of the matter is that we are everywhere. We are your classmates, your co-worker, your friend and your child. One of the many questions gays/bisexuals are asked is "When did you discover you had feelings for members of the same sex?" Despite popular belief we don't "become" gay, lesbian or bisexual overnight. Some people may realise that they are lesbians, gay or bisexual from a very early age but for others it may take longer. The important thing to remember is that there is no time limit on how long it takes to discover and come to terms with your sexuality. Coming to terms with being lesbian, gay or bisexual can be a very difficult time. For many people, society dictates that we should all be straight, live "normal" lives and play happy families. Trying to come to terms with being seen as "abnormal" can be a nightmare, then again so is trying to be someone you're not. When you come to accept your own sexuality it doesn't mean you have to tell the world and its mother. You don't have to be "out" to be gay. Some people may be completely comfortable with everyone knowing they are lesbian, gay or bisexual. Others may only want a few people knowing. At the end of the day it's your life and you decide who you want to know about your sexuality.

If you do decide to "out" yourself just remember there are two points.

1) Don't expect everyone you tell to freak out about it.
2) Don't expect everyone you tell not to freak out about it.

Like everything else in life different people react differently to different things. Some people may take it well and others may not, but don't let one negative reaction put you off telling anyone else if you feel you want to. Homophobia is something we all have to deal with at some point in our gay old lives. Homophobic remarks are best ignored no matter how much we want to retaliate. In order to help people to become comfortable with their sexuality and provide support for lesbians, gays and bisexuals there are various groups and helplines. A list of these can be found in the useful contacts section. If you think you may be lesbian, gay or bisexual and you want to talk to someone about it call into the Students' Union to the Education and Welfare Officer or the Site Vice President where you will be guaranteed a sympathetic ear and where we can put you in touch with a support group. Or why not join the LGB group in the Students' Union. This will give you the opportunity to meet other LGB students and no doubt improve your social life. The Students' Union is here for all students, not just the straight ones. We do not discriminate against anyone. So please feel free to call in and have a chat about any worries you may be having. Remember, better gay than grumpy!

Papers, Magazines and Books:

Pink Paper - Weekly - (Subscription)
Gay Community News - Monthly - (Bookworm)
Diva - Bi-Monthly
Gay Times - Monthly
Coming Out (1996) Susie Burns & Junior Larkins
Outing Yourself Michelangelo Signonle