Exploring your 性uality can be a big emotional challenge. It becomes even more challenging when your family, 朋友, and community are not supportive or acceptive of your gender identity and 性ual preference. Being LGBTQIA + is often associated with a lot of social pressures and discrimination that can cause emotional distress. If you or someone you know is struggling with understanding their 性uality, facing social pressures related to their 性uality, 或者出来, there are things you can do.
- 弄清楚-Sometimes figuring out who you are attracted to takes time. Identifying your gender identity and 性ual preference is not always clear. 不用着急. Take your time and continue to explore. If questioning your 性uality is making you feel anxious or depressed don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help. We offer free counseling here at the health center.
- Coming out and Living out- Accepting and understanding 性uality is a learning experience. It is important to be honest with yourself and honor who you are by allowing others to know your true identity. There is no pressure or time frame. You get to decide when you are ready and who you want to "come out" to. Start by choosing 朋友 or family in your life that you feel safe with and you think will be supportive and understanding. You are not alone in this process. "Coming out" for many can be scary or stressful. It may help to talk to others that have gone through a similar experience. 试试我们 VC LGBTQ联盟澳门皇家赌城在线县 多样性的集体 or your local Parents, Family, Friends, and Allies (PFLAG) 章.
- 帮助-If a family member or friend confides in you about their 性uality make sure you listen and are supportive. Let them know you are there for them and accept who they are. If you see they are experiencing emotional distress suggest counseling or give them the number to the 特雷福项目 or National LGBTQIA + hotline found at the top of this page. We are all responsible for stopping discrimination and bullying. If you see someone being harassed or harmed offer your assistance to that individual and report it to an authority figure that can help. If you witness this type of discrimination on campus please report it right away. You can report it to your professor, dean of students, or campus police.