LGBTQ2S+ ISSUES

There can be many challenges for a person who identifies as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Gender Fluid, Non-Binary, 2-spirit, Asexual (or Allies), Pan-sexual, and more. While society has come a long way in accepting people who have varied sexual orientations, members of the LGBTQ2S+ community too often experience a lack of acceptance, shame, unfair scrutiny, and discrimination in their daily lives.

Knowing your sexual orientation and being proud of your sexual orientation are two different things. Sometimes people have trouble accepting their sexuality, and sometimes even people who accept their sexuality must work through a number of issues, including lack of acceptance amongst friends or family members, as one example. Some people experience being outcast, discriminated against, or even violence. There can be trauma from these experiences.

Or you may find that you are still discovering your sexuality and sexual orientation and you may be having anxiety about coming out to your family, friends, and colleagues.

Perhaps you and your partner are experiencing some challenges sexually or want to achieve greater intimacy – we provide counselling for people and couples of all sexual orientations.

If you are part of the LGBTQ2S+ community, you may experience:
• Feelings of fear (being caught or found out, or a very real fear for your safety)
• Feelings of shame, particularly in an openly non-accepting community
• Family acceptance issues
• Depression
• Social anxiety
• Denial
•Feeling a lack of clarity with your gender identity (feeling like you were born in the wrong body)

When is it time to get help?

If you are struggling with your sexual orientation/identity, (or gender identity) and are having difficulty coming out, or if you have come out, and are feeling isolated or ashamed – you might want to consider therapy. It’s possible that there is literally no one else you can talk to about some of these issues and a trained therapist can help. If you are experiencing discrimination, social isolation, and confusion – you may want to seek help. If you are dealing with gender identity issues, and perhaps you’re considering transitioning – we can help!