Alex's Answer

Hello there!

Welcome to Ask Alex and thank you for reaching out with such a personal question. It takes courage to acknowledge and explore your own feelings, especially when they might be different from what you or others expected. Know that you’re not alone in this journey, and there are many others who have faced similar questions and uncertainties.

Understanding and accepting your sexuality is a journey, and it’s perfectly ok to take your time with it. It’s important to remember that your identity is valid, no matter what label you choose or how you express yourself. Your feelings are a part of who you are, and they deserve respect and acceptance, both from yourself and from those around you.

When it comes to sharing your feelings with family and friends, it’s natural to feel apprehensive. You may worry about how they’ll react or what they’ll say. It might help to start by confiding in someone you trust, someone who you think will be supportive and understanding. This could be a close friend, a sibling, or even a counsellor or support group like BelongTo.ie or LGBT.ie.

Remember, you don’t have to rush into anything. Take your time, and only share when you feel comfortable and ready. It’s ok to set boundaries and take breaks if you need to.

And if you ever feel overwhelmed or unsure, know that there are resources available to you, like Childline. We offer a safe and confidential space where you can talk openly about your feelings and get support from trained people who are here to help you, no matter what you’re going through. Our freephone number is 1800 66 66 66 or you can chat to us online through Live Chat at Childline.ie. We are here 24-hours a day, every day.

You’re never alone in this journey, and there are people who care about you and want to support you every step of the way. Take things at your own pace, trust in yourself, and remember that you are valid and deserving of love and acceptance just as you are.

Take care of yourself,

Alex