Being Yourself: Embracing Your Identity in the LGBTQ+ Journey
- Home For Balance
- Jun 7
- 7 min read
Being yourself is one of the most liberating—and sometimes most challenging—things you can do. For those in the LGBTQ+ community, “being yourself” isn’t just about self-expression. It’s about authenticity, courage, survival, and joy in a world that doesn’t always make it easy to live openly or safely.
Whether you're just beginning to explore your identity, are in the process of coming out, or have long been living your truth, your identity is valid, worthy, and something to be celebrated—not hidden.
The Power of Authenticity
Authenticity is about living in alignment with your core values and who you are, not who others expect you to be. For LGBTQ+ individuals, that may mean embracing your sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression in a way that feels empowering and right for you.
Living authentically can lead to:
Greater mental well-being
Stronger self-esteem
Deeper, more meaningful relationships
Reduced shame and internal conflict
But it's also okay if you’re not ready to be out in every space. Being yourself is not all-or-nothing. You’re allowed to protect your safety and emotional well-being while still honoring your truth. When LGBTQ+ individuals feel unsafe or unsupported in expressing their true selves, they may resort to masking, withholding, or suppressing core parts of their identity. While this can be a protective mechanism—especially in unsupportive or hostile environments—it often comes at a deep emotional and psychological cost.
Many LGBTQ+ people face societal stigma, rejection, discrimination, and even violence. According to The Trevor Project’s 2023 National Survey:
41% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year
Transgender and nonbinary youth face significantly higher risks for depression and anxiety
Supportive communities, affirming adults, and inclusive environments drastically lower these risks
This underscores how essential belonging and affirmation are—not just for survival, but for thriving.
Common Consequences of Hiding Who You Are Include:
Chronic Anxiety and Hypervigilance. Constantly monitoring how you speak, dress, or behave can lead to a state of ongoing stress and fear. The brain becomes wired to anticipate rejection or danger, making it difficult to relax or trust others.
Depression and Loneliness. Hiding who you are often results in feeling unseen, disconnected, or unworthy of love and connection. Over time, this isolation and sense that you don't belong can lead to hopelessness, numbness, and low self-worth.
Internalized Shame or Homophobia. If society sends messages that your identity is “wrong,” it's easy to start believing it. This can create a painful split between who you are and who you think you "should" be.
Identity Confusion and Delayed Development. The energy spent concealing your identity can delay personal growth, relationship building, and self-understanding. Many people describe feeling “stuck” or unsure of who they are without the mask.
Suicidal Thoughts or Self-Harm. Tragically, hiding one’s identity is a major risk factor for suicidal ideation. According to The Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ youth who experience rejection from their families or communities are more than 8 times as likely to attempt suicide.
Healing Is Possible
The good news is that affirmation can reverse much of this psychological harm. Studies show that LGBTQ+ people who are supported in being themselves, whether by friends, family, therapists, teachers, or chosen community, experience:
Increased life satisfaction
Improved mental health
Lower rates of depression and anxiety
Higher self-esteem
Stronger resilience in the face of stress
Increased sense of connection and belonging
Being seen, accepted, and affirmed saves lives - Coming Out: Your Pace, Your Path
Coming out is a deeply personal process. It’s not a one-time event—it’s something that may happen in different ways over the course of your life.
You don’t owe your story to anyone. You don’t have to explain or justify your identity. You deserve to come out—or not—on your terms.
And if you ever feel afraid, confused, or isolated in that process, you are not alone.
You Deserve Support
No matter where you are in your journey, some people and organizations want to walk alongside you. Whether you’re looking for mental health support, community connection, or just someone to talk to, help is available.
Crisis and Mental Health Helplines
The Trevor Project (24/7 LGBTQ+ youth crisis support)📱 Call or Text: 1-866-488-7386 | 🌐 www.thetrevorproject.org
Trans Lifeline (Peer support by and for trans people)📱 1-877-565-8860 | 🌐 www.translifeline.org
LGBT National Help Center (Youth, senior, and general LGBTQ+ support)📱 1-888-843-4564 | 🌐 www.glbthotline.org
Crisis Text Line (Text "HOME" to 741741 for 24/7 support)
Resources to Explore
LGBTQ+ Mental Health & Identity Resources
PFLAG: For families, friends, and allies of LGBTQ+ individuals
GLAAD: Media and cultural advocacy
The Trevor Project’s Resource Center: Identity support, mental health, and coming out guides
Human Rights Campaign (HRC): Equality-focused resources and education
Them.: Stories and news on LGBTQ+ identity and culture
Therapy Can Help
Affirming therapy can be life-changing. A licensed LGBTQ+ affirming therapist can support you in navigating:
Identity exploration
Coming out
Processing internalized shame or trauma
Exploring and processing family dynamics and rejection
Discussing gender-affirming care and transition-related questions
Navigating relationships, dating, and community belonging
At Home For Balance, we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment for all clients, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. We understand that mental health support must honor who you are, how you identify, and what you’ve experienced.
Being yourself is not a weakness—it’s a quiet revolution. In a world that sometimes asks LGBTQ+ individuals to shrink, conform, or hide, choosing to be yourself is an act of resilience, bravery, and hope.
You are not broken. You are not alone. And you don’t have to go through this journey in isolation.
Whether you’re taking your first steps toward self-acceptance or looking for deeper healing, you deserve support that honors your full, authentic self.
Need someone to talk to? Contact us at info@homeforbalance.com or call 561.600.1424 to schedule your FREE 30-minute consultation with one of our affirming therapists. We’re here for you—just as you are. 🏳️🌈
Resources:
SunServe recognizes that the entire LGBTQ community has the right to quality care and their mission is to provide critical life assistance and professional mental health services with an emphasis on economically disadvantaged, marginalized youth, adults and seniors in the greater South Florida metropolitan area.
2312 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305
Sunserve Support groups:
· Safe T Transgender/Gender Non-Conforming Support Group | Wednesdays at 6:30 PM
· SOFFA (Significant Others, Family, Friends and Allies of Transgender People) | Saturdays at 10:00 AM
· Transmasculine Support Group | Mondays at 6:30 PM
The Compass Community Center is a located in Downtown Lake Worth, Florida. It serves as a meeting place for the community and provides a safe place for LGBTQ people and their allies.
The Trevor Project’s - U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People highlights the experiences of over 28,000 LGBTQ youth aged 13 to 24 across the United States. Read and see how we can do better to build a future where every LGBTQ young person can thrive. They offer resources, support groups and community.
The Faulk Center for Counseling provides various support groups for adults and teens in the LGBTQ+
YES Institute Miami is community in which all youth develop as healthy individuals free of suicide, violence and discrimination. Their mission is to prevent suicide and ensure the healthy development of all youth through powerful communication and education on gender and orientation.
The GENDER Book is a fun, colorful, community-based resource, which illustrates the beautiful diversity of gender - a gender 101 for anyone and everyone.
Rainbow Railroad is a global not-for-profit organization that helps LGTBQI+ people facing persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics.
The National Alliance for Eating Disorders offers an LGBTQ+ Pro-Recovery: Virtual Support for Adults 18+ Online: Zoom registration required
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers a list of resources for families of LGBTQ+ Youth stating that all youth require a safe home and social supports to mature and develop the skills needed to transition to adulthood. Among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, or other diverse identities (LGBTQ+) youth, having affirming families and friends is associated with improved mental health and better child welfare outcomes. Find resources in the link below. Their list is intended to help families support their LGBTQ+ youth, understand what to expect, and learn how to talk about issues that may be impacting their youth.
PFLAG is the nation's largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. The PFLAG Chapter Network--with over 400 chapters across the country--provides confidential peer support, education, and advocacy to LGBTQ+ people, their parents and families, and allies.
ConnectSafely is a Silicon Valley, Calif.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to educating people about online safety, privacy, security and digital wellness. Their resources include research-based safety tips, parents’ guidebooks, advice, news and commentary on all aspects of tech use and policy. https://connectsafely.org/lgbtq-resources/
The SafeSpace Trans-Parent Support Group
Call Ellen Cohen
Ellen@LGBTQ+TherapySafeSpace
Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services
LGBTQ+ Community Outreach Program
The GSA Network engages in advocacy work and provides volunteer opportunities
Pridelines plans regular youth activities in a supportive environment:
The Pride Center at Equality Park: This organization provides a welcoming, safe space — an inclusive home that celebrates, nurtures and empowers the LGBTQ communities, friends and neighbors in South Florida.
2040 N. Dixie Hwy. Wilton Manors, FL 33305
954-463-9005 954-764-6522 fax
SAGE: Advocacy and services for LGBTQ+ Elders stands proudly with the LGBTQ+ pioneers across the country who’ve been fighting for decades for their right to live with dignity and respect.
It Gets Better Project’s mission is to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth around the globe.
American Psychological Association: Resources for Grassroots and State-Level Advocacy on LGBTQ+ Issues - APA has compiled a host of resources, discussion points, and references around the biggest topics affecting the LGBTQ+ population.
댓글