Help with my gender identity

Hey Lillie
Thanks for your post about needing support with coming out as a transgender person.

I remember having to come out as a gay man to my family and it can be a tough time. I felt pressure to hide my sexuality and it took me a while to be open with them.

Coming Out is different for different people but luckily there’s lots of places that you can go for support or to find out more information. If you want a general chat about it, or want to plan things out with a friendly person then you can try the LGBT Switchboard and their number is 0300 330 0630 and their website is switchboard.lgbt/ .

I’m not sure how old you are but Mermaids is a great organisation for trans children and young people. They have their own helpline (0808 801 0400) and a web chat service. Both can be accessed Monday - Friday 9am - 9pm. You can find out more on their website mermaidsuk.org.uk/ .

If you’re looking for some more information to read, then there’s a great Coming Out guide by LGBT Youth Scotland which you can access here: www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/media/1054/coming-out-guide-for-t-people.pdf

If you’re older than 19 then you might want to start by looking at the Stonewall Coming Out guide which you can find here: www.stonewall.org.uk/help-advice/coming-out/coming-out-adult-1

The best advice I can give you is take your time and tell people when you feel it’s the right time. You might want to find a support group or organisation to talk to before and after you come out to help you through it.

Coming Out can stir up all sorts of emotions and please let us know again if you need any other help with it. We're also here for you if you want to keep us updated.

We'll be crossing our fingers and hoping it goes well for you!

Kuljit
LGBT Hero