Advice Column

 Dear readers,

I have decided that I will start doing some advice related blogs. If you need any advice on anything at all, please drop your questions in the comments!

I'll start today with some general questions, specifically on LGBTQ+ topics, however your questions don't have to be about that.

Starting off with a common one - How do I come out? This question is one that many people have, and probably every queer person at some point has wondered this, and there isn't really one answer. If it's safe to come out, and you will not be at risk, then I do think it is a good idea. However, safety is one of the most important things, and you should never jeopardize that. If you are in a safe environment with people you know will be accepting, I think that the best way to come out is either in a conversation, or with a letter. Also, if you are ready to come out, you should be ready to answer up some follow-up questions about you, what you are, what you identify as, and what that means. If you aren't ready to talk about that yet, then it might not be the best time to come out, even if that's hard.

Next up: How do I know what I am? The answer, unfortunately, is inside you, not me. You have to find that answer yourself, whether it be with research, thinking, or any other way. However, the community can be here to help you with resources. One way to try and try out gender expression is through clothes, or even something easy like going to a Starbucks and ordering something with a name you would like to try on. Here's a good resource if you want to try different names and pronouns: http://www.pronouns.failedslacker.com/

And about sexuality: that can be a hard one, too. Figuring out what you identify as is rough, and there's so much pressure to figure it out right now. The truth is, you don't have to. Finding a label to define yourself can be helpful, but as long as you're comfortable, it's okay. If you really feel the need to define yourself, it's okay to not know yet. Sexuality can be fluid, and if you felt one way earlier on in life, you don't have to feel that now. I would recommend picturing yourself in the future, and seeing if being with a partner is something you want, and if it is, what gender feels most comfortable for that person to be? 

That's all for now, but I hope this helped clear some stuff up for you guys. Remember, comment your questions down below so I can answer them! Have a great day, and thanks for reading!