Dealing with internalized shame

[Berkeley2003]

Hi there,

I've posted in the past about sorting out my gender identity and I would still say I'm on that journey. Though I've made some good small steps (e.g., sharing my situation with loved ones and housemates), I still feel really uncomfortable and admittedly a little ashamed of myself. I think it's internalized shame around my queerness.

I'm still struggling to make peace with myself, especially with limited close support network as a person in a relatively new area. I just don't know what to do.

[Latha]

Hi there Berkley2003

Those are good steps (be proud of yourself for the progress that you're making!). You're right that this is a journey- with time, the steps that you are taking will add up, and you will feel more comfortable and less ashamed.

What are some things you can do? If you would like, maybe you could try to pinpoint the source of this internalized shame and try to address it directly. Also, if you haven't already, you could look into local queer events and gatherings- being around other queer people may help you feel more comfortable and build a better support network.