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Get to know gender and sexuality

Gender is a person's sense of being a man, woman, or neither or both. Gender:

  • Isn't always linked to "male" or "female" body parts, like having a penis or vagina.
  • Is about how someone sees themselves and how they feel comfortable.
  • Can be fluid, meaning it might change over time.

Sexuality means sexual feelings, thoughts, actions and attractions. You can be a sexual person even if you never have sex.

Everyone has the right to explore and express gender and sexuality in ways that feel good to them without hurting others.

Gender

Gender can be felt and lived in many ways. People might express gender in the: 

  • Clothes they wear
  • Names they use
  • Way they talk
  • Groups they belong to. 

Some people need medical help to express their gender. For example, someone might take medication or have surgery.

There are many genders. Common genders include:

  • Male, when someone identifies as a man.
  • Female, when someone identifies as a woman.
  • Transgender or trans. It describes someone who experiences gender as different to the sex they were assigned at birth. Read more here at TransHub (external link).
  • Non-binary, when someone is not a man or a woman (or a boy or a girl) but gender fluid, pan, or bigender.
  • Genderfluid. It describes someone whose gender changes often.
  • Feminine-identifying. It describes someone who sees their gender as feminine or femme. Some people who identify as feminine use the word "woman," but some don't.
  • Sistergirl / brotherboy. Some First Nations people who are trans in Australia use these words to describe themselves. Read more at TransHub (external link).

Regardless of your gender, you have the right to be you!

If you can't freely express your gender in your day-to-day life, you might find other ways. For example, you could find an online group that is safe and accepting.

Sexuality

For many people, sex is an important part of life. It’s okay to do things that turn you on and make you feel good, as long as there is consent and the activity is legal and safe. When people give consent to sex, everyone understands what they’re doing, wants to be doing it and knows they can stop at any time if they change their mind.

We can express sexuality in many ways. Here are some examples:

  • Intimate touching during casual sex or with a romantic partner.
  • Sexual experiences with a sex worker.
  • Watching sexy movies or online porn.
  • Reading or listening to romantic or erotic stories.

Sexual orientation is about the type of person another person wants to kiss, touch or think about sexually. Sexual orientations include:

  • Heterosexual – attraction to the opposite sex, like when a woman is attracted to men. Also known as being straight.
  • Homosexual – attraction to the same sex, like a woman attracted to other women. Also known as being gay, lesbian or queer.
  • Bisexual – attraction to your own gender and other genders, like a woman attracted to both men and women.
  • Pansexual – attraction to people first and foremost, without paying attention to gender.
  • Asexual – little or no sexual attraction, also known as being ace.

Unfairness about sexuality or gender is never ok

There have always been different genders and sexualities. People suffer when they are not able to freely express their gender and sexuality. Being curious, open and respectful helps everyone.

People can face discrimination about their gender or sexuality. Discrimination is when a person or organisation mistreats others because of who they are.

Discrimination about sexuality and gender can include:

  • Being bullied or laughed at.
  • Being rejected or ignored after coming out, which means telling someone about your gender identity or sexuality.
  • Being asked to change or hide your sexuality or gender.

Discrimination hurts. People who are gender diverse or queer have more risk of some mental health problems, like anxiety, depression and abusing alcohol or drugs.

If you currently face discrimination because of your gender or sexuality, we're sorry. You don’t need to go through it alone. Please, seek support.

Where to get help if you’re experiencing discrimination, or want to explore your gender or sexuality

 

QLife

Phone: 1800 184 527 available 3:00 pm to 10:30 pm.

QLife is for LGBTIQ+ people and their loved ones wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings, or relationships.

 

Headspace

Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation, offering support through 154 headspace centres across Australia, and online and phone counselling services.

 

Reachout

Anonymous and confidential, Reachout is a safe place where young people can openly express themselves, get a deeper understanding and perspective on what’s happening in their lives, connect with people who will provide judgement-free support, and build the resilience to manage their challenges now and in the future.

 

Beyond Blue

If you’re going through a hard time right now, the BeyondBlue Support Service is available 24 hours a week, 7 days a week for brief counselling.

Phone: 1300 224 636

1800 RESPECT

If you experience violence or abuse you can contact 1800 RESPECT for support and counselling.
Call 1800 737 732 or go to the 1800 RESPECT website to chat with someone online (external link).

‍To contact 1800RESPECT via SMS, text ‘HELLO’ or any greeting to 0458 737 732 to start the conversation.

Becoming stronger after hard experiences

It's normal to need support and care after experiencing violence or abuse. The support can help you heal and live a full and joyful life. Many people need time to regain confidence and independence after hard times. Taking extra special care of yourself can help. This section of Neve deals with recovery. It covers things like gaining financial independence and building self-confidence. We share self-care tips and advice about reconnecting to your community. We hope it will help you on your healing journey.

Find out more

Understanding body image and self-confidence

Body image is how you see your body and your thoughts and feelings about it. This page describes some of the ways people in our community struggle with body image. We talk about disabled bodies, eating disorders and other things that affect how we see ourselves. We share strategies for growing to love and accept your body.

Find out more

Resources.

May 4, 2024

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Headspace

Body scan meditation to reduce stress

Here’s everything you need to know about body scan meditation — including how to do it.

Check resource

May 4, 2024

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Participate Australia

Making Money Easy

A tool to support children, teens and adults with mild to moderate intellectual disability to learn basic counting and money handling skills.

Check resource

May 4, 2024

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Disability Australia Hub

Self-advocacy

Self-advocacy is when someone with disability speaks up and represents themselves. This guide shows you how.

Check resource

May 7, 2024

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Touching Base

Booklets For People With Disability

Resources and information for people with disability about seeing a sex worker.

Check resource

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Gender and sexuality

On this page, we talk about gender and sexuality. We explain what the words mean, and where you can go for help if you are curious or worried about your sexuality or gender.

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