Think you might be gay?
Figuring out your sexuality, gender identity, and sexual orientation is something that a lot of people do at different times in their lives, especially in their teens.
If you’re not sure if you’re straight or if you think you might be gay or are somewhere on the LGBTQ2S+ spectrum (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or two-spirit), know that you’re not alone!
In this post, we’ll talk about what you can do if you think you’re LGBTQ2S+ as well some of the supports that are out there for you.
Talk to somebody!
If you think you might be LGBTQ2S+ it can be really hard knowing where to turn or who to ask if you have questions.
Of course, ConnecTeen is available by phone 24/7 at 403.264.TEEN (8336) or through our daily chat and text services accessible here. We can always help you talk through whatever you’re going through and help you figure out some of the supports you might have in your life. We try our best to be a safe space for all youth in the community.
There are also other supports in the community like Outlink as well as the Centre for Sexuality. When you contact us at ConnecTeen, we can always help you find a resource that works best for you.
To come out, or not to come out…
If you have someone in your life you can talk to about being LGBTQ2S+, that’s great! Sadly, there is still a lot of homophobia in our society which means that not everyone will react well if you tell them you’re LGBTQ2S+. Because everyone’s reactions can be different, it can be helpful to think about how someone might react before you tell them.
Here at ConnecTeen, we don’t want you to feel like you have to come out, especially if you think you may not be safe when you do tell people you’re LGBTQ2S+. We always want you to do what is best for you, and we can help you talk through some of your options when you contact us. Ultimately, whether to come out or not is your decision in every situation, and no one should make you feel pressured to tell other people you’re LGBTQ2S+.
It gets better!
It can take a lot of strength and courage to figure out that you’re LGBTQ2S+, to reach out for support when you need it, and to exist in a world that still has a lot of homophobia in it!
We want to encourage you to reach out and talk to someone if you’re feeling down, if you’re being bullied at school, or if you feel like people around you may not react well if you come out to them. At times you might feel really alone, but there are so many people out there just like you, who felt exactly how you’re feeling now when they were going through the same thing.
The It Gets Better project was created in 2010 with the mission of letting LGBTQ2S+ youth know that they aren’t alone. You can check out the vast array of video submissions from LGBTQ2S+ folks from around the world here:
Even if you’re having a hard time now, there are so many fantastic, inclusive communities that you can be a part of. 🙂
Until next time!
Photo courtesy of Thomson Rivers University. Cropped by ConnecTeen.
