INTERNALISED B I PHOBIA

To put it into perspective, according to the National LGBT survey (July 2018), 40% of respondents had been discriminated against for being gay. With such horrifying statistics, it’s no wonder internalised homophobia is still rampant.

I won’t pretend I’m an expert on all things LGBTQ+, and I can only talk from personal experience, but I don’t believe there is any magical cure to internalised homophobia. It is a personal journey that many queer people have to go through in order to accept themselves, to be vibrant and true to who they are.

If you’ve ever questioned or are questioning your own sexuality, you aren’t alone. It took me until I was 16 to finally acknowledge who I was, to look at my sexuality in the mirror and be okay with what I saw. Even then, I only came out to my mum in a letter a year ago, and it was the hardest thing I have ever done.

“No matter what happens, there are people out there who will accept you, understand your plights and listen.”

Being LGBTQ+ can be scary, but you truly don’t need to be afraid. No matter what happens, there are people out there who will accept you, understand your plights and listen. If you’re feeling hopeless and lost, there are numerous helplines out there dedicated to LBTQ+ youth that are there to help you.

LGBT helpline: 0300 330 0630 (switchboard.lgbt)

LGBT Domestic abuse: 0800 9995428 (galop.org.uk)

Under 25s Non-Binary/Transgender support: 0808 801 0400 (Mermaids)

Emergencies: please call 116 123 for Samaritans.

Your journey to acceptance is unique, not abnormal.

We, as a society, are changing. All I can hope is that one day there will be a generation of queer youth who no longer experience internalised homophobia.

For now, though, there is no telling what will happen if you come out. It can be a truly freeing experience to finally live your authentic self, yet I won’t lie and say that everyone is accepting.

I don’t ever regret my decision to come out publicly, though I know that I’m one of the lucky ones. The response I have received from family and friends has been welcoming, accepting and inclusive. It was a frightening experience, but I never would have been able to do it without overcoming my internal prejudices first.

If you really want the truth, it’s simple: I’ve never been happier in my own body than I am right now.

My final advice to you is clear: be brave, be vibrant, be you. You don’t ever have to come out, but at least be true to yourself.