重生之娘子安好:同性恋：青少年应该了解的知识

什么是同性恋？

A person is said to be homosexual if he or she is sexually or romantically attracted to members of the same gender, or sex. This doesn’t mean that homosexuals are sexually attracted to all members of the same gender any more than heterosexuals are sexually attracted to every person of the opposite sex. Typically, the words “gay” and “lesbian” are used to refer to homosexual men and women. The term “bisexual” refers to people who are attracted to both men and women. 

如果一个人从心理上或是生理上被同一性别的所吸引，那么通常他（她）被称作同性恋。但这并不代表同性恋会对所有的同性产生性方面的兴趣，就像异性恋并不会对所有的异性产生性冲动一样。双性恋则是指对男性和女性都有兴趣的人。

Researchers who study human sexuality believe that sexual orientation develops and changes over a person’s lifetime. Having feelings about or even having a sexual experience with a person of the same sex doesn’t necessarily mean that a person is gay or bisexual. It’s not uncommon for people to experiment with their sexuality, especially during adolescence and young adulthood.

研究人类性取向的研究者认为，一个人的性取向在他的一生中会发展和改变。对同性产生感情，甚至和同性发生过一段性关系，都不能完全代表他是同性恋。特别对于处在青春期的年轻人来说，有尝试同性关系的兴趣是很正常的。

What causes homosexuality?

为什么会成为同性恋？

No one knows why some people are homosexual. Some people who study human sexuality believe that sexuality is a result of genetics, social or individual factors, alone or in combination. A common misperception is that troubled family relationships cause people to be homosexual, but no scientifically sound research supports this myth.

没有人知道为什么有人是同性恋。一些研究性取向的人认为，性取向是基因因素，社会因素和个人因素影响的结果。有可能收到单一因素的影响，也有可能是多种因素共同影响所致。认为不良的家庭关系会导致一个人成为同性恋是一个很常见的误区，至今，并没有科学的研究可以证明这一观点。

Is homosexuality a disease?

同性恋是一种疾病么？

No, homosexuality is not a disease. All major mental health organizations, including the American Psychological Association (APA), have stated that homosexuality is not a mental disorder. Being unsure or uncomfortable about your feelings can cause anxiety and stress, which can sometimes cause physical problems like trouble sleeping, nausea and headache. Talking with people about how you feel, such as trusted family members and friends, can help reduce your stress and anxiety.

同性恋并不是一种疾病。包括美国心理协会（APA）在内的所有主要的精神健康方面的组织，都已经表明同性恋并不是一种精神疾病。但对于自己的情感活性取向的不确定或反感会带来压力并引起焦虑。更进一步可能引发失眠，腹泻，头痛这样的生理不适。和可以信任的家庭成员或者亲近的好朋友交流，谈谈你的感受有助于减轻你的压力和焦虑。

Can people be forced or convinced to change from gay to straight or the other way around?

性取向可能因强迫或者引导而改变么？

No. Some people feel pressured to "change" their sexuality, but trying to be something you're not can lead to stress, anxiety and depression.

答案是不能的。一些人可能因各方面压力而急切地试图“改变”自己的性取向。但强迫自己违背自己的本性会带来压力，造成焦虑和抑郁。

What is homophobia?

什么是“恐同症”？

Homophobia refers to an irrational fear, prejudice or discrimination towards homosexuals. Homophobia can take many forms, from name-calling and teasing to serious crimes like assault and murder. Homophobia is most often based on fear and ignorance.

“恐同症”，又称“同性恋恐惧症”，是指对同性恋的一种不理性的恐惧，偏见活歧视。恐同症可以表现在很多方面。轻有谩骂取笑，重至严重的犯罪，例如施暴和谋杀。恐惧和无知是造成大多数恐同症的原因。

I think I might be gay. How will I know if I really am?

我认为我有可能是同性恋，怎么样才能知道我是不是真的是呢？

You will eventually figure it out. You may consider different options or even experiment to determine what you are happy and comfortable with. The process may take a long time, and the decisions you make may be difficult for you and other people to accept.

你有可能考虑过别的选择，甚至做过多次试验以确定你真正的喜好。这个过程也许会持续很长时间，你最终的决定可能会让你自己或者别的人觉得很难接受，但你总会找到这个答案。

What does "coming out" mean?

“出柜”是什么意思？

The process of telling people about one’s homosexuality is often referred to as coming out. The phrase "in the closet" is sometimes used to describe a person who’s gay but who hasn’t acknowledged it yet to friends and family members.

告诉他人自己是同性恋的过程叫做“出柜”。而相对的，“未出柜”用来代表并不知道自己性取向的同性恋，或者还没有告诉自己的朋友和家人的同性恋。

How do I come out and when is it appropriate?

我该如何“出柜”呢？什么时间比较合适？

As with any other personal information, when and whom you tell about your sexuality is your decision. It’s important and healthy for you to share your feelings with others. It’s also important to realize that telling others--even people you consider supportive--may not always be a positive experience. If you feel you can’t tell your parents, talk to a friend or someone else you trust. It’s possible that the people who are closest to you already know and are waiting for you to be comfortable enough to talk about it.

和对待其他的隐私一样，把你的性取向告诉什么人，什么时候说都是你自己的决定。把你的感谢和他人分享十分重要的，也是比较有利于健康的作法。但是，告诉其他人，甚至是你认为会支持你的人你的性取向并不能确保是一个良好的经历，认识到这一点也很重要。如果你认为你不能告诉你的父母，那么可以和你的朋友，或者你信任的人谈谈。和你亲近的人有可能已经知道了，并且在等待你觉得舒服的时候和他们讨论这个问题。