Who are you attracted to?

You find out who you’re attracted to when you fall in love. That applies to young transgender people in the same way as it does to other young people. And it’s how you discover whether you’re attracted to someone of the same sex, the opposite sex, or both.

Perhaps you know perfectly well whether you’re attracted to someone of the same sex, the opposite sex, or both. But maybe you don’t. When you are transgender, it can be tricky finding out:

• Perhaps you are too busy working out who you are.
• Perhaps you don't feel comfortable in your body, so are not interested in falling in love or sex.
• You don't know why you like men or prefer women. Because you are in love with someone? Or is it because you yourself want to be a man, or a woman?
• The people around you might think you are gay or lesbian, instead of transgender. Maybe you thought so too.
• If you don't know who you are attracted to, don't worry about it! You don't have to decide yet.

When you are in transition, your sexual preference doesn't usually change. This means that if you fancied women before transition, you probably will do after your transition. The ‘label’ you are given often does change. For example, when you were still male, people called you heterosexual. Now you are female, people call you lesbian.

Were you unsure about who you were attracted to before your transition? When you transition, you become more and more yourself, and you are more in touch with your feelings. Then it’s easier to discover who you are attracted to. That’s why some people do change their sexual orientation during transition.