Dear Josher03,

It all depends. Sometimes sexual attraction is brief — it may be about curiosity or something else. Other times it may be more long-lasting. People who are sexually attracted to both girls and guys sometimes call themselves bisexual.

Sexual orientation — being bisexual, lesbian, gay, or straight, is about sexual attraction. It can take years to understand our sexual orientation. Often, people may find that they are "questioning" for quite a while, or that none of these labels apply. Each of us has to answer these questions for ourselves, but it may take time before we can answer. Rest assured that many teens (and adults too!) are still figuring out their sexuality — what you're experiencing is more common than you might think!

No one knows for sure what makes people lesbian, gay, bisexual, or heterosexual. Sexual orientation develops naturally — perhaps even before birth. Although sexual orientation may seem to shift for some people in the course of a lifetime, it is not something that people can decide for themselves or others.

So, it's completely OK to be attracted to both girls and guys. There are some resources at OutProud that may help you sort through some of your feelings.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.