How Do I Know If I Am Gay? Signs You Are Gay

Particularly when young, some people may ask, "How do I know if I am gay?" if they have conflicting sexual feelings. When it comes down to it, there is no reliable "Am I Gay test", so the only way to know that you are gay (definition of gay) is to look within yourself to determine your own thoughts and feelings towards others of the same sex. You might also want to consider the possibility that you are neither gay nor straight and are bisexual or just curious.

There are also signs that you might be gay to consider.

Signs You Are Gay

There is no one way that gay people act or look – gay people are just as diverse as straight people. Just because you are a man who is effeminate or a woman who is boyish, that does not mean that you're necessarily gay. So don't fall into the trap of thinking that your clothes, hair or attitude determines your sexuality.

When looking at the signs you are gay, you might want to ask yourself these questions:¹

• Have I ever been sexually attracted to the same sex?
• Do I feel strong emotional bonds to the same sex?
• Am I physically attracted to the same sex?
• Have I considered having a sexual relationship with someone of the same sex?
• Have I had sexual same-sex experiences in the past?

The American Psychological Association defines sexual orientation as an "enduring emotional, romantic, sexual, or affectional" attraction toward another person. Do you think how you feel about the same sex matches that definition?

Dealing with Signs You Might Be Gay

In all, it's best to experiment with your sexuality and consider what you feel like when with a woman or when with a man. These feelings may give you signs that you are gay.

But take your time. There is no need to rush into a decision or tell anyone about your exploration or come out gay. Clarity often comes with time, so give yourself a chance to fully discover your sexuality. And if it does turn out that you are gay, remember that there is nothing wrong with being gay – it is just part of who you are.

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