It's normal to feel attracted to both girls and boys when you're growing up. Find out about coming out, safer sex, and how to deal with bullying if it happens to you. During puberty, you have lots of emotions and sexual feelings. It's normal for girls to think about girls in a sexual way, and for boys to think about boys in a sexual way. Some people realise they prefer people of the opposite sex, while others feel they prefer people of the same sex. Some people realise they are gay, lesbian or bisexual at an early age, while others may not know until later in life. Some young people may also be confused about their sexual identity. They may be asexual, where you're not interested in sex at all, or transgender, where people believe there is a mismatch between their biological sex and identity as a boy or girl. You do not choose your sexuality, it chooses you. Nobody knows what makes people gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans. Whatever your sexuality, you deserve to be with someone you love.

What if I'm gay, lesbian or bisexual? It can help to talk to other people who are going through the same thing. Find out if there's a young men's or women's group in your area for lesbian, gay or bisexual people. These groups might be advertised at GP surgeries, sexual health or contraceptive clinics, pharmacies, youth groups, local papers, or on the internet. Find sexual health services, including contraceptive clinics, near you.

Should I tell anyone I think I'm gay, lesbian or bisexual? This is up to you. Being gay, lesbian or bisexual is normal, but some people do not understand this. Telling people you're gay, lesbian or bisexual is known as coming out. When you first come out, the most sensible option is to tell someone you trust, and who will be supportive and understanding. If you're not sure how you feel about your sexuality, there's no hurry to make your mind up or tell people. Coming out is an individual decision, and it's important to do it in your own way and in your own time. You can find out more at Stonewall: coming out as a young person.

What about sex if I'm gay, lesbian or bisexual? We all have the same feelings and anxieties about sex. Deciding when you're ready to have sex is a big step, whatever your sexuality and whoever your potential partner might be. Everyone is ready at different times, but do not have sex just because your mates or your boyfriend or girlfriend are pressuring you. Remember, it's always OK to say no. You can also read Are you ready for sex? to find out the things to ask yourself if you're thinking about having sex. If you think the time is right, talk to your partner about needing to use contraception, having safer sex, picking the right time, and how you would both like the experience to be.

STIs with someone of the same sex If you're having sex with someone of the same sex, there's no risk of pregnancy, but sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can pass from girls to girls and boys to boys, as well as between girls and boys. If you're using sex toys, cover them with a condom and use a new condom every time – condoms should only be used once. Boys should always wear a condom if they have oral or anal sex. Make sure you know about all the methods of contraception, whether you have sex with males or females, in case you also have straight sex. It's better to be prepared with contraception than to put yourself at risk. Always use condoms to prevent STIs.

How to get free condoms You can get free condoms from a sexual health, community contraceptive or young persons' clinic and some GPs, even if you're under 16. Find your nearest clinic. You can also buy condoms from pharmacies and supermarkets. Remember, only use condoms with the CE mark or the BSI kite mark. This means they've been tested to high safety standards. Condoms without the CE mark or BSI kite mark are not safe, so do not use them.