Identity
Gender, sexuality & neurotype.
Why it’s important to think about identity?
You may be thinking about different aspects of your identity and trying to work out how you feel, what fits for you, what feels right or what kind of person you want to be? That could include thinking about your gender, sexuality and neurotype. As you explore who you are, take your time and don’t feel any pressure to tell others until you feel safe and ready to.
Many young people find it helpful and supportive to connect with others who may be similar to them. It’s important and healthy to find a space where you feel comfortable to be yourself.
Gender
Gender can be expressed in many ways. Male, female, non binary, trans, gender fluid or genderqueer are how some people identify. Gender is not about how you have your hair, make up or what clothes you wear. Some people will identify differently to the body they were born with, they may use different names or pronouns. It’s really important to support everyone with the choices they make.
Sexual orientation
Sexual orientation is the romantic attraction between one person and another and is separate from gender identity. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Pansexual, Asexual are some of the many ways we can describe that attraction. Feel free to explore who you are and change your mind too, but don’t feel that you’re under pressure to make a declaration or ‘come out’ until you’re ready.
Neurotype
Neurotype is a way to describe what kind of brain you were born with. You may be in the majority who are neurotypical, however we are getting better at recognising that some people have neurodivergent brains. You may be autistic, dyslexic, dyspraxic, have ADHD, tics or tourettes. There are many different types of human brain which mean you have certain strengths and challenges dependent on it’s design.
