If you\u2019re questioning your gender or sexuality, it\u2019s important to remember that whatever you\u2019re thinking and feeling is OK. Many other young people are going through (or have been through) a similar journey to you and you\u2019re never alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You may have a lot of valid questions about identifying as 2SLGBTQ+<\/a> such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some young people have been aware of their sexual orientation and gender identity<\/a> for a long time. Others may not be as sure. Having feelings, dreams or experiences with \/ about someone of the same gender is common. Many young people also like someone of the same sex (e.g. you may have sexual dreams or feelings about someone who is the same sex as you). This can all be the beginning of you realizing that you identify as 2SLGBTQ+, but it may also be a part of the process of realizing that you\u2019re straight. Either way, these feelings are a natural part of finding out who you are and getting to know yourself better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sexuality and identity are concepts that can evolve over time. Both your sexual orientation and gender identity may change at some point (or many points) in your life. There\u2019s no rush to find a label that you connect with, especially if you don\u2019t feel ready.<\/p>\n\n\n Lots of young people who are questioning their sexual orientation and\/or gender identity may feel excluded or isolated in their families or communities. Meeting other 2SLGBTQ+ young people is a good way to start recognizing that there are many other people going through the similar things as you. It\u2019s also important to remember that differences are what make people human \u2014 sexual orientation and gender identity are just two more ways that you may be unique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re looking to meet other people in the 2SLGBTQ+ <\/strong>community<\/strong><\/a>, you can check to see if your school or community has a virtual club\/group that creates space for 2SLGBTQ+<\/strong> young people and where you can <\/strong>safely participate online<\/strong><\/a>. You can also access Kids Help Phone\u2019s <\/strong>Resources Around Me<\/strong><\/a> for help finding 2SLGBTQ+<\/strong> peer groups in your area.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n Your gender identity and sexual orientation are only two parts of who you are. You can try listing all of the other qualities that make you who you are. Maybe you\u2019re 2SLGBTQ+ and\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make your list as long as you want. If you\u2019re having trouble with your list, try asking people who care about you and know you well what they would put on your list.<\/p>\n\n\n Coming out is the process of telling others about your sexual orientation and\/or gender identity. Many people start by coming out to people they trust the most, like a family member or a few friends. If you identify as 2SLGBTQ+, you may be thinking about if\/when you may come out (if you haven\u2019t already) to people in your life.<\/p>\n\n\n Learning more about yourself, better understanding your identity (using the words that feel best for you and your experiences) and making decisions about coming out is completely up to you. The process of coming out is different for everyone \u2014 you may choose to come out to yourself only, and that\u2019s OK. It\u2019s also a lifelong process because you may need to decide whether or not to come out to every person you meet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ultimately, it\u2019s a personal journey and you don\u2019t have to come out to anyone unless you want to and you feel safe.<\/p>\n\n\n First, figure out where you want to come out to the person \u2014 at home, in a park or in a quiet spot. Choose a place that puts you at ease and where you can talk. Next, decide how you want to approach the conversation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some conversation starters:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If none of these work for you, that\u2019s OK. Just speak from your heart and trust your intuition. It may help you to try practising or bouncing some ideas off of a professional counsellor<\/a> at Kids Help Phone by calling 1-800-668-6868<\/a> or reaching out through Live Chat<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n It\u2019s common to worry about how people will react. A lot of people aren\u2019t aware of variations in sexual orientation and gender identity and may be afraid of what they don\u2019t understand. Fear is often what motivates people to bully<\/a>, abuse, ridicule, humiliate and shame. But fear is never an excuse for treating someone badly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you think your family or friends may be interested in learning more, you may want to refer them to PFLAG Canada<\/a> for information and help. And remember, Kids Help Phone is available 24\/7 if you or someone you know would like to talk.<\/p>\n\n\n Unfortunately, not everyone will understand when you explain what\u2019s going on for you. It can be helpful to think of how you\u2019ll handle it if people don\u2019t understand, don\u2019t want to talk about it, become upset and\/or discriminate against you<\/a>. Will you leave the room? Call a friend? Take a walk? Having an exit strategy is a good idea in case things get intense. It\u2019s important to make your safety a priority. It can be helpful to remind yourself that it may have taken you a long time to come to terms with your sexual orientation and\/or gender identity, so others may need a bit of space to take it in, too. There are also some people who may never be able to accept it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember that<\/strong> no matter how others react, you\u2019ve done nothing wrong and deserve support<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n Your safety is important. If you\u2019re thinking about coming out, it\u2019s crucial to learn about ways to protect yourself so you\u2019re prepared in case you face any challenges. It may help to have:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If people don\u2019t respond to you in the ways you would like, try giving it some time. While you\u2019re waiting, you can think about getting some emotional support. A Kids Help Phone counsellor<\/a> can help you find ways to validate your experience and connect with other 2SLGBTQ+ youth. You can also use Resources Around Me<\/a> to search for services in your area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coming out can be a unique process of self-discovery, and learning more about your identity can empower you with the language to communicate with others. It\u2019s important to know that you\u2019re the expert of your own experience. If you ever need support for your <\/em>mental health<\/em><\/a>, it\u2019s important to reach out for help.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" If you\u2019re questioning your gender or sexuality, it\u2019s important to remember that whatever you\u2019re thinking and feeling is OK. Many other young people are going through (or have been through) a similar journey to you and you\u2019re never alone. You may have a lot of valid questions about identifying as 2SLGBTQ+ such as: Some young […]<\/p>\n\n
\n How do I know if I identify as 2SLGBTQ+?<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n What if I\u2019m worried about being treated differently?<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n You\u2019re more than your sexual orientation and gender identity <\/h2>\n\n\n
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\n Coming out<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n Are you ready to come out?<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n What to say<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\n How people might react<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n Being prepared for all reactions<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n Protecting yourself<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\n Finding support<\/h2>\n\n\n