To know if someone is gay, one key indicator is whether a person feels romantic and/or sexual attraction mainly or only to people of the same gender. This can manifest as fancying, feeling excited about, or wanting to date and have relationships with people of the same gender. It is also common to think about or fantasize about people of the same gender in a sexual or romantic way. Everyone's experience is unique, and some people know their orientation early in life, while others take time to figure it out. Being gay means having an enduring attraction to the same gender, but it's important to remember that sexual orientation is personal and can vary in how it is experienced and expressed. Here are some indicators to reflect on:
- Do you feel attracted, romantically or sexually, to people of the same gender?
- When you think about relationships or dating, do people of the same gender come to mind?
- Do you feel different or excited when thinking about or being with people of the same gender?
- Have you experienced crushes, love, or interest mainly towards the same gender?
There is no test or checklist—it's about your feelings and attractions over time, and it's okay if it takes time to understand yourself. Also, attraction can be romantic and sexual, and they do not always align perfectly. Exploring your feelings and learning about different orientations can help clarify what feels right for you.
