GGC - Sexual Health - Supporting Adult Service Users with Relationships, Sexual Health and Sexual Wellbeing - IN DEVELOPMENT
It’s important to have awareness of people having different sexual orientations and not making assumptions or judgements related to this. Sexual orientation refers to how someone feels physically, emotionally or romantically attracted to individuals of the same sex, different sex or both sexes. People of all sexual orientations deserve recognition and respect.
- The Equality Act protects everyone from unfair treatment related to their sexuality, whether they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or heterosexual.
- The term LGBT or LGBT+ is often used when referring to people in the gay (LGB – lesbian, gay, bisexual) community together with people in the trans community. However, sexual orientation should not be confused with gender identity.
Human sexuality is a broad spectrum. An individual’s sexuality or sexual orientation may be described as their attraction towards:
- people of the same sex (gay men, gay women and lesbians)
- the opposite sex (heterosexual men and women)
- both sexes (bisexual men and women)
Some people may identify or wish to be known as heterosexual but may engage in sexual activity with people of the same sex. Avoiding making assumptions about someone's sexual orientation can help people access the right help and support.
Discrimination: People sometimes experience discrimination and may be treated unfairly because of their sexual orientation. This can be described as:
Homophobia: negative attitudes or behaviours towards someone just because they are lesbian or gay.
Biphobia: negative attitudes or behaviours towards someone just because they are bisexual.
Homophobia and biphobia can include discriminatory language, threats or violence against people about their sexual orientation.
Legal recognition: Same sex marriage has been legal in the UK since 2014, allowing couples of the same sex to marry and have their relationships legally recognised.
Health and wellbeing: Sexual orientation can influence various aspects of a person's life, including their sexual health, mental health, relationships and access to services.