Finding Self-Acceptance & Chosen Family
As member of the LGBTQIA+ community, the relationship between my family & me has been strained due to their opposing stance on LGBTQIA+ rights. This essay delves into some of the challenges I have faced with my own family. Ultimately, I share how I have prioritized my own mental health & chosen to distance myself from them.
My family’s voting pattern has consistently aligned with candidates who oppose LGBTQIA+ rights. Their unfaltering support for such individuals stands as a direct contradiction to my own existence & desire for equality. Additionally, many of my family members have stood against things like same-sex marriage, actively contributing to the perpetuation of inequality within our society.
In addition to their voting alignment, some family members make derogatory remarks about LGBTQIA+ individuals. Such disparaging comments reflect their ignorance & unwillingness to understand or accept our community. These remarks create an environment that erodes my sense of safety, acceptance, & belonging.
Another aspect of my family’s opposition to LGBTQIA+ rights is the propagation of absurd & harmful conspiracies [e.g. here & here]. These groundless theories further fuel the already prevalent stigma surrounding our community. Their belief in these conspiracies not only highlights their lack of proper knowledge but also perpetuates discrimination & prejudices against LGBTQIA+ individuals.
As an LGBTQIA+ person, it deeply saddens me that my family’s beliefs & actions perpetuate inequality, discrimination, & isolation within our family. However, my priority has shifted towards protecting my own mental health & well-being. Hence, I have made the difficult decision to distance myself from my family. While this decision comes with its own set of challenges, I am now able to surround myself with chosen family — individuals who appreciate & understand me as an LGBTQIA+ individual.
In doing so, I am finding the freedom to embrace my authentic self. Although it is disheartening to be distanced from my biological family, it is essential for my own growth, happiness, & overall mental well-being.
Ultimately, the journey of accepting one’s LGBTQIA+ identity, particularly when met with opposition from loved ones, requires resilience, self-love, & connection with those who truly champion our rights. While my family’s beliefs may never change, my hope remains that society as a whole continues to progress towards inclusivity, compassion, & equal rights for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
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