Homosexuality
Some people have romantic and/or sexual feelings for people of the same sexSexAll acts that can sexually arouse you. Sex is more than sexual intercourse.…Read more. Both men and women can be homosexual. Men who feel attracted to other men are called homosexual or gay; women who feel attracted to other women are called homosexual or lesbianLesbianA woman who is attracted to another woman. A woman is lesbian (homosexual)…Read more. Some people feel attracted to both men and women. They are called bisexuals.
2 men being intimate with each other
People can choose whether to call themselves homosexual, lesbian or bisexual. For instance, some men may have sexSexThe biological fact of being a woman (girl) or a man (boy). Sometimes,…Read more with men, but do not call themselves homosexual.
Why are people homosexual?
It is not known why people feel attracted to one sex or the other, or to both sexes. However, we do know that:
- being homosexual is not a choiceChoiceDecide which is the best from several options. For example, people have the…Read more. It comes naturally.
- homosexualityHomosexualityFeeling attracted to people of the same sex: men feeling attracted to men,…Read more occurs in all countries and cultures. In Europe, discrimination against homosexuals is forbidden by law. It is forbidden by lawLawRules which decide what you may and may not do. Every country has…Read more to treat people differently and to exclude or place restrictions on people because of their homosexuality.
It is unclear whether homosexuality is hereditary. The role played by a person’s upbringing is also not precisely known.
Telling others that you are homosexual
Some people keep their feelings private, others tell their family and friends that they are homosexual or bisexual. Homosexual and bisexual people often need time to accept that they are attracted to people of the same sex.
You do not have to tell other people you are homosexual. If you believe it is not safe to tell others, then you do not have to.
It can be a relief to tell other people. You do not have to hide any longer. First talk to people who you think will accept you as you are. Be aware that reactions at first will not always be positive.
Meeting others
There are specific organisations and meeting places where you can get to know other gay, lesbian of bisexual people.
Homosexuality and the law
In Europe, discriminationDiscriminationTreating people differently, for example because they have another skin colour, sex or…Read more on the grounds of sexual orientationSexual orientationFeeling sexually and emotionally attracted to someone. This can be someone of the opposite…Read more is forbidden by lawForbidden by lawIf an action is forbidden by law, the law says that you must…Read more. It is forbidden by law to treat people differently and to exclude or place restrictions on them because of a personal characteristic that is protected in law. Homosexuality or changing sex are protected characteristics. It is forbidden to discriminate against someone on these grounds in, for instance, job applications, at work, in education, and when renting a house.
MarriageMarriageA ceremony and legal contract which creates a legal relationship between 2 partners.…Read more
People of the same sex can have a relationshipRelationshipWhen 2 people are in a relationship, they have a bond with each…Read more. In the Netherlands, they can also marry or have a registered partnership.
2 men getting married in a town hall
ParenthoodParenthoodBond between a parent (mother or father) and child. Both parents take care…Read more
In the Netherlands, 2 men or 2 women can together be parents of a child. They can adopt a child or co-parent together with others. Surrogacy is an option too.
Lesbian women with their children