It is a thing to be celebrated and enjoyed but often young people struggle, particularly if they feel they don’t conform to what is normal. But who says what is “normal”?

The transition that young people go through as they mature into adults can leave you very confused about what you think and feel in general, and so it follows that young people can often be confused about aspects of their sexuality.

A lot of young people will think that everyone they know is heterosexual when in fact many of their friends will be as confused as them.

Most young people who are gay, lesbian or bisexual will have had strong feeling in this way for some time. It is important to recognise that many more young people may have some confused feelings for their friends during their teenage years which are just a part of coming to terms with their own place in the world.

It is important to find your own definitions and be at peace with yourself rather than fret about what others think.

You may choose to talk to a trusted friend or parent. A lot of people are relieved when their friends come out because they wanted to bring it up with them but were afraid to hurt them. Everyone, regardless of their sexuality, should have the freedom to live a life which sustains them and makes them happy. Being lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans-gendered should not stop you from having the friends, relationships and opportunities you want in life.

My Friend Has Come Out to Me, Do They Fancy Me

If a friend has chosen you to come out to you should feel privileged rather than afraid. It takes a lot of courage and trust to come out to someone so if a friend says this to you it is far more likely they see you as a friend rather than anything else. Can you imagine the pressure of coming out to someone you fancy? No? It would be pretty difficult wouldn’t it?

It’s really important to keep the confidence of people who come out to you, until they feel more at ease to discuss it with other people. Homophobia, disliking gay people, can be very damaging so it is important to challenge it when you can. Standing by a friend you may have had for years when they come out is an important thing you can do, not only for you and your friend, but also for the rest of your community.