LGBT+ members - got a question - need somewhere to start - here is the place

[MsPurple]

Welcome LGBT+ members and ally to the community.

A few LGBT+ forum users have questions and concerns they can't a find a place to ask it here on the beyond blue forums so I thought starting a place for questions and more serious/heavy conversations 🙂 Here you can ask questions about anything from questioning your sexuality/gender identity, coming out concerns, dating, mental health etc. If you are an ally (an Ally is a person who considers themselves a friend to the LGBTQ+ community) you are also welcome to come here to be a support to our community and ask questions as well. This is a supportive place for people to discuss their questions and concerns, we are not a place of judgement. As Thumper from the movie Bambi said "If you can't say somethin' nice, don't say nothin' at all."

If you are looking for a more social and light hearted conversation might I suggest joining us on the thread under BB social/rainbow cafe. Copy and paste the link: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/bb-social-zone/let's-chat-about-anything

Feel free to introduce yourself below and ask any question/s

I thought I'd answer one common question in the intro post and this is one I have heard a lot. What do the letters mean? When referring to the community it is shortened to LGBT+ as there are more letters than just the 4. I have put some of the common ones here: Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Transsexual Two-spirited Queer Questioning Intersex Asexual Ally Pansexual Agender Gender Queer

Welcome everyone and hope to see you around on this thread and around the BB forums

MP 🙂

[Birdy77]

Hey there Snicker,

I've been in your position, and i understand the stress!

It's easier for me to say from many years down the track, but try your best not to stress about it too much, the whole "identity" thing?

I dunno ... cos i know at 15, i wanted to work it out too ... i guess it's a thing you really want to sort out.

But if you can try to relax a little, and let it develop as it develops?

I am now in a happy lesbian relationship, but have let my path lead me where it wants to, but it took me plenty of years to get here ...

I can recommend some resources for you if you like.

It's so cool that you've reached out, you are soooo welcome here 😊

Happy to chat to you any time,

🌻birdy

[Snicker]

Hey buddy,

First of all, it's very comforting to know that you were once in my position.
And I would love if you could recommend some resources for me. It'd be really helpful 🙂

I'll try to go with the flow more and kind of let things be.

🙂

[Just Sara]

Hey and welcome Snickers!

I just wanted to let you know there's lot's of us out there and you're not alone. Birdy's post is spot on; (hey Birdy!) each stage during your teens is a step towards developing into the adult you want to be.

Experiences and people you encounter are part of that journey and can't really be predicted, but being self aware and open to the newness of these encounters and situations, will serve you well.

Sexuality isn't a choice, but dealing with each experience as it comes along is. Protect you and learn to identify your feelings as this is where getting to know yourself begins.

It might be confusing to start with, but as you learn, grow and develop, so will your confidence and awareness. Life is full of wonder for young people if you're open to it. Make good choices, and remember that mistakes are our greatest teachers.

Looking forward to seeing you pop in now and then to let us know how things are travelling.

You're brave gal to be reaching out as you have; kudos!

Kind thoughts;

Sez

[Snicker]

Hey!

damn everyone here is so supportive 🥺

I'll try to be more open minded and remember to take it as it comes as well as trying new things and learning to become aware of my feelings.
what if I really don't know?? 😓

I'll continue to check in every now and then.

thanks 🙂

[Just Sara]

When you put it in one sentence like that, it looks so much more daunting. I bet you're a wiz in school with summarizing!

It also looks like you've got a case of the 'What-ifs', yeah? Well, what if you connect with someone you reeeeeaaaaally like and it takes you on a journey you've never been on before? What if you find passion that leads to love? There's lots of positive what-ifs isn't there? It's just the way you look things.

I was sitting in a bar with my hair in plaits, no make-up, old cloths and doing my knitting as I was bored senseless at home. That night I was asked out on a date with a very handsome man. Who would'a thunk??? When you stop looking, the magic happens.

A genuine smile can melt hearts...now that's something to look forward to. 😄

Sez x

[Snicker]

Hey!

I know it's been a while since I have said anything but I thought I'd just say how I'm going.

so, I went with the flow and had an open mind and I'm still doing this but so far I've pretty much come to terms with myself being gay and I feel kind of confident in that.

I still have an open mind but that's where I'm at.

thank you 😄

Snicker

[geoff]

Hello Snicker, and thanks for getting back to us.

You've had an open mind, which is good, and if you 're confident on how you are feeling, then that's a positive way for how you are thinking.

When we keep questioning ourselves, what it does, is hold us back from moving on or developing any confidence, so let it flow and please reply back when and if you want to reply.

Geoff.

[Snicker]

Hello, so I'm back.

the past few days have been a little bit hard when it comes to my sexuality. I was completely fine and I let things go and just let it develop and now all the sudden I started stressing about it again.

im not sure if it's because I'm having a hard time accepting it. Or if I could be wrong?

im not sure but I'm really stressing about it.

thanks.

[Birdy77]

Hello Snicker,

I think it's pretty normal, (if there is such a thing), to feel on a bit a rollercoaster with things, as you allow yourself to dmfeel the feelings and try to let yourself come to terms with *everything*.

One day you'll feel chill, got it all together.

The next, you'll feel like your head is exploding and don't know who you are?

Try to ride it out if you can. In the turmoil of it all, if you can just know in your heart that you're taking care of you, and will be there for you ... that can be comforting.

On those days that you struggle, come here and chat to us who understand.

On another thread to you i mentioned:
Qlife.org.au
not sure if you saw it, but they have webchat and phone help of you ever need some peer support from some who truly understand.

We're here for you and want the best for you xo

🌻 birdy

[PinkVibes14]

Hello MsPurple, I have known that I have been lesbian for a few years. It has been around 4 now. I told my parents about 1 year ago. But since then I haven't really known how my father feels about it. Its not like he's homophobic or anything I have just not really known. Like when I did come out My mother was super supportive and proud of me for coming out but my Father said nothing and left the table. I still see him even though my parents are split but how could I know. I don't feel like I can speak to him about celebrity crushes or pretty girls in movies. I don't even know if we will accept my music. I listen to girl in red, Hayley kiyoko and so many more lesbian lover based songs. What should I do? Please help. -PinkVibes14