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Personal Story: How I Accepted My Identity of Being Gay

Read a personal account of accepting and embracing one's identity as a gay individual. Gain insights into the journey of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and finding support and community as an LGBTQ+ person.

Personal Story: How I Accepted My Identity of Being Gay

I grew up in a conservative environment in NZ, where I had often seen people being bullied and ostracised for their differences in my hometown. I remember this boy having to move schools because of the harassment he faced for being open about his sexuality. That is why I decided to come to terms with my own LGBTQ+ identity in secret, as did a lot of others. Despite my secrecy, I still ended up experiencing bullying, being threatened and marginalised.

During those days, I constantly worried about how what I said or acted could accidentally out myself as being different. This later morphed into compulsions around how I looked and having difficulty engaging with people. Through therapy I learnt that constant policing of one’s behaviour can lead us to lose connection with who we really are.

It was huge for me when I was finally able to make meaning of my experiences and understand myself and how I interact with the world. I live a better life now but I still regularly undertake activities that allow me to dull the worrying voices in my head. Activities like exercise and talking to people who understand what it’s like helps to reduce my stress.


#BeautifulMinds is a series of raw and honest stories from people sharing their lived experience with mental health in New Zealand. Published with permission. We hope these stories capture the diversity of how mental health affects different people and you can be inspired by their journey towards mental wellbeing. Clearhead’s mission is to destigmatise mental health through raising awareness and encouraging people to feel it is ok to seek help early by giving them the tools to do so. Sign up now to use the platform, it is free to do so!

If you like what you read, please do share it. If you are interested in sharing your story, please email us at [email protected]

Healthline
If you are not in immediate danger but require crisis support:  mentalhealth.org.nz
Suicide Call Back Service
If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal. Call 1300 659 467. — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Lifeline
Lifeline provides 24-hour crisis counselling, support groups and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14
, text on 0477 13 11 14 (12pm to midnight AEST) or chat online.
Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue aims to increase awareness of depression and anxiety and reduce stigma. Call 1300 22 4636, 24 hours/7 days a week, chat online or email.
Kids Helpline
Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free 24/7 confidential and private counseling service specifically for children and young people aged 5 – 25. Call 1800 55 1800.
MensLine Australia
MensLine Australia is a professional telephone and online counselling service offering support to Australian men. Call 1300 78 99 78, 24 hours/7 days a week, chat online or organise a video chat.
Open Arms — Veterans and Families Counselling
Open Arms — Veterans and Families Counselling provides 24/7 free and confidential counselling to anyone who has served at least one day in the ADF, their partners and families. Call 1800 011 046.
If you are not in immediate danger but require crisis support:  healthdirect.gov.au