Figuring out whether you are gay or lesbian can take awhile. Some people say that they have "felt different" since they were as young as five or six years of age. Others don't begin to figure out their sexual orientation until they are teenagers or adults. Almost everybody gets a "crush" on someone of the same sex at some point in their life. Many people have sexual experiences with someone of the same sex. Same sex experiences do not necessarily mean you're gay or lesbian. Many gay and lesbian people have had some sexual experiences with people of the opposite gender and these experiences do not necessarily mean they are straight.

Even if you are a virgin or are not sexually active, you still may know that you're gay or lesbian. Your feelings and your emotional and physical attractions will help you figure this out.