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Growing up gay

For some young gay or bisexual people, adolescence can be a time of anxiety and fear and they may later look back on this part of their lives with sadness and regret.

Even though it's easier for successive generations to question their sexuality and come out, as gay teenagers we can be painfully aware we're not like other people. This can be tough growing up stuff. We convince ourselves that only we feel this way we can become withdrawn and lonely - even though there are books, films and role models to support us. 

We learn to hide our true feelings and act as others want us to, fearful of being discovered, rejected by loved ones and friends, or that we are going to disappoint people.

Some believe that if they partner or marry the opposite sex, gay feelings will disappear, though this happens less these days. However, doing this will often store up stress and anxiety in later years which can express itself negatively. The conflict between who you truly are and what others want you to be can be demanding. Breaking out of a clearly defined heterosexual role involves courage and strength.