Am I Lesbian? – My Coming Out Story and Advice
Am I lesbian? Coming out advice and my story
Embracing Authenticity: Breaking Free from Labels
In a world where labels are often used to define and categorize individuals, it can be difficult to navigate the journey of self-discovery. In this episode, I share my personal experience of coming to terms with my sexuality and the process of understanding my identity. One of the biggest struggles for me was learning to embrace authenticity and not feel the need to conform to societal expectations and labels.
I remember how terrifying it was. I took so many online quizzes (we’ve all done it) and searched for answers. All I wanted was a clear-cut label but eventually, I realized that I didn’t need a label to define who she was. I wanted to be myself, without the constraints of societal expectations. But how did I get there?
Am I Lesbian? My Journey:
In this episode, I share my journey starting from the moment I first realized I might be attracted to girls. I was in seventh grade at the time and, initially, I tried to rationalize my feelings by convincing myself that I simply wanted to be friends with a particular girl. As time went on, I couldn’t keep avoiding the confusion, though.
Honestly, the realization hit me in a math class when my face turned red at the mention of a girl’s name. I know, the most stereotypical aha moment. But honestly, it was at that moment that I knew for the first that that I had a crush on a girl.
It wasn’t easy. I went to a Catholic school and I felt so much fear of disappointing the people around me. My journey of self-acceptance was not linear at all. I struggled with my identity. I prayed every day for my sexuality to go away. I hoped that I was just making it up.
It wasn’t until I confided in a friend that I reached a turning point. My friend reassured me that being queer was not a sin or something to be ashamed of. That’s when I realized that a lot of the judgment I was feeling was coming from myself.
Dealing with Stereotypes
When I started embracing my identity, I felt so much pressure to conform to certain stereotypes associated with being gay. I tried to change myself, from the way I dressed to the people I surrounded myself with, in an attempt to fit into a specific mold. But eventually, I realized that that wasn’t who I truly was.
My journey taught me that I didn’t have to fit into a specific category or societal expectations. I began to learn to embrace my own unique sense of style and expression. Instead of trying to be like what I believed a lesbian should look or act like, I found my own identity.
Embracing Individuality
If I could go back and tell my younger self anything, I would tell her to be herself. Everyone’s journey is unique and personal and there is no right or wrong way to be gay or to express your identity.
My story is a reminder to myself that self-acceptance is such a powerful tool for finding happiness. It doesn’t have to be about labels unless you want it to be. Instead, it’s about embracing who you are and being proud of it. Be kind to yourself in the process and remember that you are incredible just the way you are.
I’m rooting for you <3
