TeenHealthFX - Answers - Am I Really Gay?

Sexuality: Gay, Straight & Bisexual / Question
Published: October 1, 2003

Dear TeenHealthFX,

i am a 19 year old male and i am wondering if i am gay. i don't find men attractive however i do like a lot of anal pleasure. i have been known to use household items to pleasure myself anally and i have just purchased my girlfriend a strap-on to simulate gay sex. when people meet me they sence i am gay by the way i act and speak, but i just brush it off. is this just curiosity or am i really gay?

Signed: Am I Really Gay?

Dear Am I Really Gay?,

While you are the only one who can decide your sexual orientation, TeenHealthFX wants you to know that enjoying stimulation of your anus is not a sign that you are gay. The anus can be a very pleasurable area for both males and females, regardless of sexual orientation. It is a very sensitive part of the body, and in addition, by inserting something into the anus, you may be able to stimulate your prostate, which can be very arousing.

It is important to understand the difference between your sexual orientation and the kinds of sexual activities you enjoy. Being gay is about being attracted to the same sex, while being interested in anal stimulation is simply about what feels good to your body. If you truly are not attracted to males and are attracted to females, you are probably not gay, but if you continue exploring your sexuality you may change your mind, or identify as bisexual. If you do continue to question your sexuality, there are many answers in this section from kids who are questioning their sexuality; you might try reading some of them for more thoughts on this.

Just a little more information on anal penetration:
It is important to make sure you explore this part of the body safely. If you are not careful when inserting things into your anus, it is possible for something to get pulled inside enough so that you cannot get it out. For this reason, sex toys that are made for stimulating the anus always have a flared bottom. Depending on where you live, you may be able to find sex toys for this purpose in a local sex shop or online, and we suggest that those are the best items to use for penetration. In addition, anything you put inside your anus should be very clean, and you should clean it every time you use it. It is also good to use lots of lubrication to avoid pain or tearing. And if anyone puts fingers inside you, again, make sure those fingers are cleaned both before and after insertion. To make things safer, you should try using finger cots (tiny little condoms that fit over fingers) or rubber gloves, which can be discarded after being used.

Signed: TeenHealthFX