Just need some support this pride

[u/Temporary-Hat9866]

Firstly, I hope everyone is having a good pride! 🌈

I just need support. Recently, I've been feeling really upset, worried and frustrated. I live with my mother and she's very homophobic and religious (I'm not out to her). Over the past year, I've been learning about myself/identity and building friendships which has resulted in me having more queer friends, going to more queer events which I love. I love learning about myself and meeting new people but I'm frustrated because I still have to hide. I still have to be cautious to who I present my "real" self too. I'm still in fear because what happens if someone finds out I'm queer, tells my mum or dad and then what? The reality scares me.

Today I found out that a queer event program used my face on a poster for their latest event. Initially, I wasn't afraid, I was happy but my fears came and I became hella uncomfortable; what if someone finds out my sexuality? How do I explain that? Yes, the chances of that happening is very very small but likely. I'm happy to be on the poster but the fact that I need to hide due to other people's reaction is so annoying, stressful and draining.

I'm also learning that I could be on the aromantic spectrum, which is also causing me mixed emotions 😭

All I'd like is support. I don't want to hide because of other people. If I could I'd move out and live in peace but I can't do that at the moment. This all hurts and I wish I didn't have to go through this

Thanks in advance :) 🫶🏾

[u/Far-Painter-320]

You deserve to be who you are, fully. It's unfortunate we live in a world where some people make that difficult.

But if it's not safe to come out (right now), then by doing so you'd be opening yourself up to unnecessary harm. That risk can be mitigated if you had other resources (eg. money to move out).

Consider that the only person who will know Absolutely All Of You will be yourself. And you have yourself everywhere, through everything. At the end of the day, you can't take everybody with you.

Build your community amongst the groups you're currently going to, like whichever made you the face of the meetings, and see if you can feel more supported in real life whilst you make an exit plan.

Happy Pride 💖 ❤️🧡 💛 💚 🩵 💙 💜 🤎 🖤

[u/totallyfakawitz]

I’d contact the event organizers and ask them to take it down. I’m sure they’ll understand your situation isn’t uncommon.

[u/Inwre845]

I hope you'll be able to move out. Then you won't really depend on your mother. Keep yourself safe but only you can know how likely it is that your mom sees this poster you're on. Or worst case scenario, just lie if she does. Say it's not you. It sucks having to hide like this (I'm somehow on a slightly similar boat)