As much as our gay, bisexual, lesbian and transgender communities are filled with people who are emotionally stable, positive, supportive and loving, there are also many examples in of younger and older people who act as though they have spent the day chewing the skin of unripened lemons. Bitterness can be defined as: “angry and […]
There has been a lot of talk in the media recently about school bullying and the devastating impact this can have on people well into adulthood. One very important group of people that the media has overlooked is gay and lesbians who are constantly abused more than almost any other group. Many people who are […]
The benefits of feeling confident in life are endless. It is a distinct advantage when deciding what you want out of life, how you are going to do it and actually successfully pulling it off (so to speak). Confidence can also give you the ability to stand up for yourself, and be more assertive. However, […]
Imagine you’re at your out with friends and one mentions that they know your partner is seeing someone else and compliment you on having an open relationship. Saying you guys give me hope that open relationships really can work.” “You reply with rapidly thinning lips… “Actually, we are in a monogamous relationship!” You are then […]
Being gay, lesbian or bisexual can be seen on a continuum from exclusive same sex attraction to exclusive opposite sex attraction. If someone is a gay male or lesbian, they can have an intimate sexual and emotional relationship with a person the same sex. Those who have attempted to change their orientation to become heterosexual […]
This is an important question that does not always have a quick answer. Transgender refers to someone who is uncomfortable with their assigned gender; i.e. was born female, but feels very uncomfortable with being a women. Remember that gender is the expression of a particular sex so being a woman and feminine is the expected […]
Anxiety can be an all-consuming state that seems to interrupt daily functioning. People struggling with anxiety attacks will experience a range of symptoms including shortness of breath, racing heart, excessive sweating, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea and general “butterflies in the tummy”. Sometimes this ‘attack’ can cause stuttering and cloudy thinking that also interrupts general functioning. It […]
If you’re in a gay relationship and you are finding that you’re stuck in a negative pattern of relating, this could really help. Most people want a romantic relationship at some point in their lives, but sometimes find the relationship doesn’t seem to go as smoothly as they had hoped. Sometimes couples find themselves stuck […]
LGBTI people have the highest rates of suicide when compared to any population. Studies indicated that 15.7% of lesbian, gay or bisexual and 20% of transsexual individuals report current suicidal thoughts (Rosenstreich, 2011). LGBTI people are more likely to experience discrimination, abuse, violence, social isolation and mental health issues. These issues can also increase their […]
Is it wise to come out a work and if so what are the risks and how do you manage them? The decision to come out at work is a really difficult one. Not everyone is accepting of alternate sexual orientations and gender identities so there is a risk of being discriminated against and having […]