I'm Bisexual and I'm struggling at home and at school.

[SP123]

I'm a high school student, 18 years old, and in year 12. I came out as bisexual to my close friends almost 3 years ago. While they have greatly supported me I've been struggling with accepting myself. I don't like being different than my friends and dealing with my sexuality has caused me a lot of stress. My grades have been suffering and because of this my Dad get frustrated with me. I feel a lot of pressure to improve, and I know that a big part of my suffering is due to stress and difficulty of accepting my sexuality. I don't want to talk to my parents about it because I don't want to have to come out. I know they're accepting of gay people, but I'm not sure how well they'll take it (especially my Dad) knowing that they have a gay son. School's become hard because of this and home life is more stressful. I just don't know what to anymore.

[Birdy77]

Dear SP123,

I am glad you have come here and reached out for some support, welcome to the forums.

First off I wanted to say how happy I am for you to have the support of your close friends. That is a really wonderful thing.

I can understand the feelings you describe of not wanting to be different from them, and struggling to accept yourself and your sexuality. It can take time.

Have you heard of an organisation calle QLife? They have counselling and peer support for the LGBTQI community: qlife.org.au they have web chat and lots of resources that you might find really helpful, I would encourage you to have a peek at their website.

You of course are also very welcome here, there are lots of members here who understand the struggles you're going through.

I'm thinking that if you were able to chat to someone openly it will help get things off your chest which will help with the issues you are having with your schoolwork.

Worrying about what your Dad will think I know is a real concern but he doesn't need to know yet, and it will unfold the way it unfolds at the right time. At that time, he may not like it, or he may surprise you and be cool with it. My dad is ultra conservative, but accepts me and accepts my partner as his daughter in law, so, parents can sometimes surprise in a pleasant way..

I want you to know you are not alone, and that there are supports out there for you.

Stay strong.

You are amongst friends here.

🌻birdy