Accepting My Identity
Written by: John K. (21 years old)
Accepting my queerness while growing up in a Catholic school that never accepted me continues to affect my mental health today. Aside from feeling unaccepted in general by this toxic environment, I was mocked, bullied, and made to feel invisible by some of my peers. Doubt became my best friend. Years later, I have found that this trauma is still very much present in my life. I constantly seek approval, always trying to be the most well-liked person in the room and worrying far too much about what my peers think of me. However, this is part of my story. Yes, I struggle with depression and insecurities and some days are harder than others, but finally opening up to my friends and family has definitely lifted some weight off my shoulders. I know that healing is a marathon and not a sprint, and I am so glad to finally start my journey towards loving myself and who I am.