What's 'normal', anyway?

The writer Oscar Wilde was famous for his outrageous opinions on sexuality and morality in the late 1800's. His sayings still ring true today.

Good question. We don't think there is a definitive answer, if so we haven't heard it. The following are some thoughts on the matter that may help you clarify the answer for yourself. Better still, if you have any other notable quotes on the matter, send them to qnetinfo@qnet.org.au.

You do not need to be sexually active with other people to recognise or understand your sexuality. Your feelings and emotional and physical attractions will help tell you who you are.
-anonymous

Our sexuality develops over time. Don't worry if you aren't sure ... You may have a lot of mixed feelings about having sex and/or having a relationship with someone else. This is normal for everyone. Lesbian, gay and bisexual people do have positive sexual relationships and experiences that include genuine feelings of affection and pride in their sexual identity. The more you are able to value yourself, take your time, and use your best judgement, the more joyous and satisfying your sexual experiences are likely to be.
-You're Not Alone, 1997

Whatever you're currently experiencing in your life:

• You have the right to feel safe
• You have the right to enjoy your sexuality
• You have the right to feel good about who you are
• You have the right to have people to talk to
  -'Who do I tell', 2000

It is as natural for some men to be attracted to men as it is for others to be attracted to women. No-one knows what causes our sexual orientation, but like being right or left handed - being gay, straight or bisexual is neither right nor wrong: it simply is.
-'Who do I tell', 2000

How can it be wrong to love the way you feel in your heart? For if it is, then why were we even created with a heart and feelings to love with?
-Anonymous, U.S. author.

What I think has happened over the last 10 or so years is that we've seen an unprecedented increase in the visibility and identity of gay and lesbian people as families. We have claimed that identity and the world has allowed us increasingly to claim that identity. Purely and simply, you allow yourself to expect to be treated equally in all regards.
-Paula Ettelbrick (National Gay & Lesbian Task Force)

The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it. Resist it, and your soul grows sick with longing for the things it has forbidden to itself.
-Oscar Wilde