Hi
Light1246
August 16th, 2025
Hi, my name is Courtney and I came on here for some support. I’m a gay man struggling with acceptance… for some reason it seems hard to live as one and I don’t know why. I’m scared of the connections I’ve made and it seems like others have to work for me to be okay.
Aayla
August 17th, 2025
@Light1246 being gay can feel scary for a number of reasons, since we live in a heteronormative and intolerant world. And it's unfair that the burden to overcome these fears falls on you, when the real problem is that society should change. But until then, you can still forge your own path, find a way of living and experience relationships that works for you.
It could help to know what makes it so scary for you: is it about forming relationships, about social judgement and how people will perceive you, or could it be something like internalized homophobia due to a strict upbringing or the environment you live in? Whatever the reason is, I find that it's always helpful to share with trusted people close to you, as well as people with similar experiences. Forming a bond with people in the LGBT community can help you figure out how they dealt with similar feelings and how to cope.
Also, listen to yourself at all times. When something gives you a negative feeling, don't push yourself to get over it, but take your time to analyze what you feel and why you feel it, where it originates, so it will be easier to figure out what kind of work to do to overcome it.
I know it all seems quite theoretical, but the journey really differs a lot from person to person. Whatever your journey look like, I can only wish you the best! It can be tough, but it's totally worth it to go through all of this to eventually fully understand and embrace who you are. That time will come, sooner or later.
