Hey,
My name is [name withheld]. I just had a couple of questions about sexuality. I’m just starting to explore my own right now, and you seem like you are pretty comfortable with yours. Could you give me some advice?
When did you first start feeling comfortable with your sexuality (how old were you)? How did you first start to become interested in erotic and artistic nudity? I was wondering if you believe that there are gay/straight/bisexual lines that people categorically fit into? Like, for example, if I felt attracted to men most of the time, but also felt attracted to women, but in a slightly different way (though both sexual), should I pursue both genders? What would you classify yourself as?
Thank you so much! I’m just trying to understand myself better, and I can definitely tell that you know your sexuality really well. I believe in sexually healthy environments, because sex has become this “dirty” thing in our culture. I totally agree with you that we should all “promote a more sex positive culture,” especially us women.
-[name withheld]
Firstly thank you for coming to me for advice, it’s extraordinarily flattering.
I first became aware of my sexuality around the time I turned twelve and hit puberty. I remember being briefly convinced in seventh grade, that I must be a lesbian because I had more crushes on girls than boys. Even before I lost my virginity I thought about sex a lot and explored my sexuality through the internet, books and alone time. Once I became sexually active at the age of 16 - with both boys and girls, I started thinking a lot about what I was. Was I gay? Was I straight? Bi? Would I marry a man? And if I did would I stop being attracted to women?
I eventually came to accept myself as a women who just didn’t see gender when it came to sexual attraction. After learning about Dr. Kinsey’s research I have to say I agree with the Kinsey scale of sexuality. The scale says that one can be essentially heterosexual or homosexual, or lean more towards one sex than the other. Sexuality is not black and white. Also your sexuality can and most likely will change throughout your life.
I do not like labels, although for a society that often necessitates them I will say that I am bisexual.
You should actively pursue people you are attracted to, do not let silly things like labels and genders get in the way. Don’t restrict yourself to any one gender because you might just miss someone special if you do.
My interest in erotic and artistic nudity began at a very young age. I was raised not to be ashamed of the human body. My parents had this beautiful painting of a nude woman in their bedroom. It was beautiful and I would look at it for hours. The female resembles my mother when she was younger, and is in a barely there torn dress on rocks with a breast exposed. Her hair is blowing in the wind, she’s sitting on a rock and appears to be somewhere like Ireland. My parents also allowed me to watch R-rated movies at a young age not shielding me from nudity but rather violence. Because I was exposed to the female form in my different shapes I truly recognized it as something to not be ashamed of. I started reading my Grandmothers massive stacks of vintage Vogues at the age of eight, which further showed me how the female figure could be used to create art. I was also raised as an artistic child not only creating, but consistently studying art from a young age and seeing the nude human form throughout art.
I took up photography at the age of thirteen. By the age of 16 I had discovered my body as something amazing and feminine [although I was still insecure and uncomfortable with it in the way all teenagers are]. I was already taking pictures of my life, friends, adventures and of course myself so I began to explore my nude body in pictures. Some were quite nice especially for my age. Of course no one but me, my ex-boyfriend and a select few girlfriends will ever see them as they are “child pornography.”
I hope that answers your questions.
xoxo
Baby Sinead on June 2nd, 2008 | File Under ADVICE | 1 Comment -