Discover the NEW & SIMPLE way LGBTQ+ people just like you...

“I'd been out as bisexual for years, but I felt like I wasn't really allowed to call myself that because I'd only ever been in relationships with men. Whenever someone questioned my sexuality, I'd feel like I had to explain myself or somehow prove that my feelings were real. I even avoided going to LGBTQ+ events because I was convinced everyone would think I didn't belong there. Working together helped me realise how much I was relying on other people's opinions to feel valid. I actually went to a queer social event recently and, for the first time, didn't spend the whole evening worrying whether I belonged. I also don't feel the need to explain my dating history every time I tell someone I'm bisexual. It's such a relief to finally feel like my identity is mine and I don't need anyone else's permission to claim it.”

“I was with my girlfriend for almost two years and I was still introducing her as my friend around certain people. Every time I did it, I felt horrible afterwards, but I was terrified of what my family would think if they knew. It got to the point where I was avoiding family gatherings because I didn't want to keep lying, but I also wasn't ready to deal with their reactions. Our sessions helped me understand why I felt so responsible for keeping everyone else happy, even when it meant hiding something that made me happy. I've now told some of my closest friends about our relationship, and last month I introduced her as my girlfriend without panicking or trying to explain myself afterwards. I can't describe how freeing that felt. I'm not completely there with everyone yet, but I finally feel like I'm making decisions for myself instead of constantly living around other people's expectations.”

“Before we started working together, I couldn't even have a normal conversation with my parents about my dating life. Every time they asked if I was seeing anyone, I'd change the subject or make something up. I was so scared that if they knew the truth, they'd see me differently or stop accepting me. I never realised how exhausting it was constantly thinking about what I could and couldn't say. Now I don't feel like I have to invent stories to keep everyone comfortable. I've started being more open with people I trust, and I can actually spend time with my family without rehearsing every conversation in my head. I still have some difficult conversations ahead of me, but I don't feel so ashamed of who I am anymore. Thank you so much.”

“I honestly didn't realise how much shame I was still carrying until we started talking about it. I'd been out as gay for a while, but whenever my partner tried to hold my hand in public, I'd automatically pull away if someone walked past. I hated doing it because I knew it hurt him, but I was so worried about people staring or saying something. Last weekend we went out for dinner and walked back holding hands, and I didn't even think about it until afterwards. That might sound like such a small thing, but for me it was massive. I'm finally starting to enjoy my relationship without constantly worrying about what strangers think. I can't thank you enough.”

“I used to dread certain meetings at work because I knew people would use the wrong pronouns and I'd just sit there pretending it didn't bother me. Then I'd go home feeling awful, replaying everything and getting angry at myself for not saying anything. I was so scared of being seen as difficult or making everyone uncomfortable that I just kept putting my own feelings last. Since our sessions, I've actually started correcting people when they get my pronouns wrong. I even spoke to my manager about updating my details at work, which is something I never thought I'd have the confidence to do. I still get nervous sometimes, but I don't spend the rest of the day beating myself up anymore. I finally feel like I can stand up for myself without apologising for who I am.”

“I came to you feeling like I'd wasted most of my life pretending to be someone I wasn't. I'm 45, and for years I convinced myself it was easier to ignore my sexuality than deal with what other people might think. I felt so lonely, even around friends I'd known for years, because I couldn't talk honestly about what was going on in my life. One of the biggest things you've helped me with is letting go of the idea that I've somehow left it too late to be happy. I've now opened up to two of my closest friends, and I've even started dating. The first time I went on a date with a man, I was terrified, but afterwards I actually felt excited rather than ashamed. For the first time in years, I feel like I'm building a life I actually want instead of just living the one everyone expected me to have. I really wish I'd done this sooner.”