So you did not feel attracted to girls at that age? you never saw them on tv and liked them? or played 'Kiss Tag' or thought that you wanted a Girl Friend or even wanted to get married (/play 'mums and dads' or other similar childish games)?

Did you know you where straight at that age? I think you probably did!

I had a girlfriend when i was nine. I was in love. I spent all my pocket money on a frog pencil sharpener for her when we visited Chester Zoo on a field trip in the summer. When she dumped me 3 week later i demanded the return of my frog. She threw it at me in the playground and slapped me in the face - Sue Ellen style. I remember thinking at the time - "what a complete b[iit[/ich". Replace the pencil sharpener with a diamond ring and you pretty much have an adult relationship (although we never used tongues and we wiped our mouths after kissing).

Erm, we were both Halifax RLFC fans too - (just to keep this thread in line with the VT)

There were some girls I liked at that age and some I hated, what does that tell you? What I do know is that the concept of being gay or straight was not in my realm of consciousness it just did not figure at all, it was not an issue, and nor should it be for any 8 year old.

I have no proof that an 8 year old cannot know it is gay, but there are some things that are just common sense (does this really need to be explained?). I have no proof that child abuse is a bad thing but I know it is. I do not see how a sexually inactive child can know it is gay when it is not being driven by some inner desire or sexual preference, hence my "lifestyle choice" reference above.

I used to love playing conkers when I was 8. To be honest, nowadays I can take it or leave it. I did know I was going to be a train driver or an astonaut, didn't happen. What I am saying is that what I felt and thought at the age of 8 had little bearing on my career or even pastimes, so how on earth could I have known my sexual preference at that age?

If a child of 8 is aware of its sexual preference then as far as I am concerned it has been subject to abuse, mentally or physically but definately abused.

That is not to say that being gay is in some way wrong or preverted, I hope you have a long and happy life in a loving relationship, or shag your way round the world if you like, it makes no difference to me. But what I will not accept as right is the idea that a child of 8 or 9 can know it is gay (or straight or non of the above).

Anyway, as Starbug has pointed out this has come a long way from RL, if it was ever about RL in the first place.

A rare sensible post from you Bill.

Children do not experience sexual desires until the start of puberty, so it stands to reason that it is impossible to know if you are gay or not until that point. I certainly didn't like girls when I was 8 years old.

That's 'cos I only post rarely.

Probably unfair of me to assume these events are all alike but some of the 'entertainment' on show during the Manchester pride wasn't for children's eyes.

Others would disagree with you , some people would consider that children as young as 7/8 should be given sex education including homosexual / lesbian and transgender type stuff , strange and obnoxious as that would seem to me , personnaly I think any child given this type of education should then come under the attention of the local social services

Quote: Barnacle Bill "There were some girls I liked at that age and some I hated, what does that tell you? What I do know is that the concept of being gay or straight was not in my realm of consciousness it just did not figure at all, it was not an issue, and nor should it be for any 8 year old. I have no proof that an 8 year old cannot know it is gay, but there are some things that are just common sense (does this really need to be explained?). I have no proof that child abuse is a bad thing but I know it is. I do not see how a sexually inactive child can know it is gay when it is not being driven by some inner desire or sexual preference, hence my "lifestyle choice" reference above. I used to love playing conkers when I was 8. To be honest, nowadays I can take it or leave it. I did know I was going to be a train driver or an astonaut, didn't happen. What I am saying is that what I felt and thought at the age of 8 had little bearing on my career or even pastimes, so how on earth could I have known my sexual preference at that age? If a child of 8 is aware of its sexual preference then as far as I am concerned it has been subject to abuse, mentally or physically but definately abused. That is not to say that being gay is in some way wrong or preverted, I hope you have a long and happy life in a loving relationship, or shag your way round the world if you like, it makes no difference to me. But what I will not accept as right is the idea that a child of 8 or 9 can know it is gay (or straight or non of the above). Anyway, as Starbug has pointed out this has come a long way from RL, if it was ever about RL in the first place.'" I agree someone should not be concerned about Sex at this age. But even at such a young age you can 'Fancy someone' and it not be sexual. At that age I was attracted to guys but just not in a sexual way. Sexuality is as much to do with Love as it is Sex. Anyway, Back to Sexuality and Rugby.... Apparently there is an organisation for LGB Rugby League fans ( This group has been recently been set up as both a social networking opportunity and an advisory group on LGB issues. LGB fans and supporters can arrange to get together either at matches or to via e network as soon as it has been set up. It is also hoped that this group will also advise the RFL and clubs on how to engage positively with the LGB community, offer expertise on LGB issues as well as supporting clubs who take the initiative by developing exciting projects that target the LGB community as seen by Oldham Roughyeds and Salford City Reds. If you would like to join or help run this group then please contact Sarah Williams (

Quote: Barnacle Bill "There were some girls I liked at that age and some I hated, what does that tell you? What I do know is that the concept of being gay or straight was not in my realm of consciousness it just did not figure at all, it was not an issue, and nor should it be for any 8 year old. I have no proof that an 8 year old cannot know it is gay, but there are some things that are just common sense (does this really need to be explained?). I have no proof that child abuse is a bad thing but I know it is. I do not see how a sexually inactive child can know it is gay when it is not being driven by some inner desire or sexual preference, hence my "lifestyle choice" reference above. I used to love playing conkers when I was 8. To be honest, nowadays I can take it or leave it. I did know I was going to be a train driver or an astonaut, didn't happen. What I am saying is that what I felt and thought at the age of 8 had little bearing on my career or even pastimes, so how on earth could I have known my sexual preference at that age? If a child of 8 is aware of its sexual preference then as far as I am concerned it has been subject to abuse, mentally or physically but definately abused. That is not to say that being gay is in some way wrong or preverted, I hope you have a long and happy life in a loving relationship, or shag your way round the world if you like, it makes no difference to me. But what I will not accept as right is the idea that a child of 8 or 9 can know it is gay (or straight or non of the above). Anyway, as Starbug has pointed out this has come a long way from RL, if it was ever about RL in the first place.'" I agree someone should not be concerned about Sex at this age. But even at such a young age you can 'Fancy someone' and it not be sexual. At that age I was attracted to guys but just not in a sexual way. Sexuality is as much to do with Love as it is Sex. Anyway, Back to Sexuality and Rugby.... Apparently there is an organisation for LGB Rugby League fans ( This group has been recently been set up as both a social networking opportunity and an advisory group on LGB issues. LGB fans and supporters can arrange to get together either at matches or to via e network as soon as it has been set up. It is also hoped that this group will also advise the RFL and clubs on how to engage positively with the LGB community, offer expertise on LGB issues as well as supporting clubs who take the initiative by developing exciting projects that target the LGB community as seen by Oldham Roughyeds and Salford City Reds. If you would like to join or help run this group then please contact Sarah Williams (

Just stuck to spurting over the skinny types have ya , im sure one day you will fulfil that dream and you can get tablets to help