The LGBTQ+ Handbook

Becoming Comfortable

I don't know about any of you, but when I actually realized that I also liked girls, I started to beat myself up. I didn't think it was normal, and something was wrong with me. I just got really down.

It took me a long time to actually accept myself. It took a little less than two years. Two years of being scared, of feeling . . . not me. It's hard to explain, but it was a painful time.

My advice, if you know what I'm talking about, is to tell others you know will accept you. When others accept you, it's easier to love yourself again. The feeling goes away faster.

If you don't have anyone in real life, there's always the Internet! Hello! I am here to help! I love helping, and I'm sure others reading this would help you too! Like a big, happy, non-heterosexual family!

I've also learned a secret. If you fake confidence, eventually you actually become confident for real. Fake it 'till you make it. It actually works, and it helped me the last six months of that feeling.

Whatever you do, don't kill yourself. Do not commit suicide. I know, why should you listen to me, I tried to do it, but trust me. It's not fun if you live. It's not fun if you die. Stay alive, and start finding some coping skills. I've found that meditation and listening to angry or happy music helps me.

I am here for you. Message me anytime, with anything, and I will help you.

Sometimes we have to get all serious, alright? You know, serious things happen all the time, so I had to make a chapter about this. I know how it feels, firsthand, so I know how it hurts. I know how lonely it can get. Stay amazing!