In a homophobic home and I need help
I've been dealing with my sexuality for a while, I'm not 100 percent on what my sexuality is so I've just called myself queer and basically my parents are religious and homophobic (I am Christian too, but I don't discriminate different sexualities and genders) and I'm in need of serious help. I can't talk to my psychologist about it, since she's Christian and I think she doesn't agree with same-sex relationships because I tested the waters and told her about the time I got called a lesbian (true story - but I didn't know what it meant back then) and she said and I quote;
"I feel filthy even saying that word..."
I might be seeing a psychiatrist soon as well as a regular GP but I don't know if they're the people I can talk to about it, I know it's confidential stuff but I don't know how I'd bring it up or if it's a LGBT safe zone.
I just need to talk to somebody who's a professional on this in private on email or skype or something because I don't want to be caught with a phone talking outloud about my sexuality to somebody. I feel myself getting more and more depressed because I hate keeping it to myself. I don't know who in my friend group I can turn to (I go to a Christian school and the last thing I need is to be condemned by the entire school). I just need somebody I can talk to regularly about it without the risk of it being passed to someone I know personally.
Also quick question:
If someone specializes in women's and/or sexual health, do they help deal with sexuality issues?
Comments
@superlock164 never feel like sharing your sexuality isnt ok!
How are you going otherwise? have you found the fact sheets helpful
Hey @superlock164
I am sorry to hear you are going through not only a rough time at home but with your own sexaulity and in some parts with your faith.
I think the way you are going about it is the right thing to do look for someone outside of your immediate school and faith circle. There is alot of differnt ways you can do this .. you can serach for psychologists in your area and by interest area by clicking on the link below
http://www.psychology.org.au/ReferralService/About/
In terms of seeing your GP and/or psychiatrist genrally they are preyy good at talking about LGBT issues and i was shocked to hear you had that expereince with your psych- it must have been really disheartening. However once you find someone who you are comfortable with you will be able to explore your own sexuality and discuss any other issues relating to it. You will feel so much better.
Im glad you found us those, and keep posting here and we can help the best we can
It is terrible that you are going through this and you feel you cannot trust people around you to share this with them. You are so right, being Christian doesnt mean we should discriminate people based on gender. I think there are some great options here for you to try and getting a counsellor or psychologist who is open minded is so important because you should not feel like you cannot tell them how you really feel.
I hope you find someone you can talk to about this and I hope you get the support you need 🙂
To answer your question, yes I think they would deal with gender and sexuality of all kinds - I know studying women's health unit we got taught about LGBT, queer, feminism etc.
I hope this helps and take care of yourself 🙂
Hey superlock164,
I'm sorry to hear that you are struggling at the moment in finding help. No one should ever fear for their safety and be discriminated against. If your psychologist is saying really horrible things like that, you should visit your GP and receive a referral to find another one. I believe that you should feel comfortable with the professionals that you're seeking help from, without judgement and condemnation. With seeing a psychiatrist and your GP, you can ask them about what their policies are in terms of confidentiality and if you're still feeling unsure, ask questions and voice your concerns. Confidentiality is a big deal and breaching it is definitely not something that can smoothed over and forgotten about.
You can contact beyondblue via the forums as well as their webchat service. This way, you would be able to type and email rather than talk out loud with someone finding out. You can also make an appointment at your local headspace centre to see a GP or a psychologist. Both services are confidential and with headspace, appointments are bulkbilled by Medicare. I recommend checking out The Rainbow Network as well. By clicking on 'Find A Service', it shows where you can find support resources, which include- but not limited to - counselling, faith and religion, health and legal services. As for womens' and sexual health clinics, they can usually offer support and advice for LGBT people.
Hope this helps and take care
1. Yes, someone who specialises women's and/or sexual health should be able to help you with sexuality issues; AND
2. QLife is a national helpline that you can access via online chat - I really really encourage you to get in touch with them!!!!!
https://www.qlife.org.au/support-for-you/
Yeah, at least she doesn't actually know about my sexuality, but it still sort of hurt, but I knew from then that sharing my sexuality issues with her isn't ideal.
Hey @superlock164
I'm so sorry to hear the experiences you've had when trying to get support with your sexuality questions from your psychologist. It's unacceptable that a health professional in that position would be so discriminatory in their views. You should never have to go through an experience like that. You deserve to get unwavering support. And I hope you will get that from the psychiatrist and GP you're due to see.
Twenty10 is a great service, based in NSW, that provide counselling as well as support groups and meet ups for young people who are questioning their sexuality. They might be a good place to start.
And this is the page for the Anti-Discrimmination Board, if you decide you want to take the issue of the discrimination you expreienced further.
Let us know how you go. 🙂
