Your gender identity and sexual orientation are fundamental parts of who you are. Sometimes, it can be confusing to figure these things out. The rules and expectations of society, and even your own experiences, can make it difficult.

Gender identity is your inner sense of being male, female, both, neither, or somewhere else. It’s how you feel inside, and it might be different from the sex you were assigned when you were born.

Sexual orientation is about who you are romantically, emotionally, and/or sexually attracted to. This could be men, women, both, neither, or people of other genders.

Understanding your gender identity and sexual orientation can be a process of self-discovery and acceptance. You might have feelings that don’t fit into typical categories, or you might just want to understand yourself more deeply within a certain identity.

Talking to a therapist who understands these issues can be really helpful. They can offer a non-judgmental space where you can:

• Share your feelings and experiences: Talk openly about your thoughts, emotions, and questions related to your gender and/or sexuality.
• Think about societal expectations: Examine the messages you get from the world and how they affect how you see yourself.
• Work through any negative feelings inside: Address any shame or discomfort you might feel due to societal biases.
• Build your self-acceptance and self-compassion: Learn to like and be kind to yourself for who you are.
• Become more confident and resilient: Develop ways to navigate a world that might not always be understanding.
• Explore options for gender transition (if that’s something you’re considering): Discuss the medical, social, and legal aspects.
• Understand your relationships better: Think about how your gender and who you’re attracted to affect your connections with others.
• Find helpful resources and communities: Connect with supportive groups and information.

The goal of therapy here is not to tell you who you should or shouldn’t be. Instead, it’s to support you in your own journey of finding and accepting yourself. It’s about helping you live authentically and with pride in a world where your value is unquestioned.