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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by bookgurl99 on June 4, 2002, at 10:16:28
Hey, is anyone else here gay or lesbian?
How do you deal with being queer _and_ having a mental illness?
I find, in my family, I have severe anxiety and my younger sister has severe anxiety. But our parents react to it quite differently in each.
My younger sister? Beautiful and hetero. They're desperate to find an organic reason, taking her to a naturopath (and paying), chiropracter, doctor, etc. -- while she insists that it is surely genetic AND based on our childhood events. When she has a period of not working due to her symptoms, "it's hard to be trapped in a small town."
Me? A bookish lesbian. My problems are because I'm "secretly disgusted with yourself for being a lesbian." Also, when I have a period of not working "it's because you want a handout" (after living on savings for 3 months.)
It's hard to go through this illness without family support.
I _do_ have a great partner, and she's great support. But wouldn't it be great to have a whole family?
Posted by Penny on June 4, 2002, at 12:33:37
In reply to Being Gay or Lesbian, posted by bookgurl99 on June 4, 2002, at 10:16:28
I'm straight, but my family reacts to me in much the same way. I don't date and I think they think I'm a lesbian b/c I have such a hard time with men. My best friend is a lesbian, and she and I both suffer from the same kinds of problems, and neither of us has family support...so, anyway, I can relate in many ways, and I'm thankful that you have someone there for you, even if she's not 'technically' family. Without my friends, I'd be lost...
Penny
Posted by CtrlAlt n Del on June 4, 2002, at 15:32:18
In reply to Being Gay or Lesbian, posted by bookgurl99 on June 4, 2002, at 10:16:28
I'm bisexual..so it's more easy for folks to understand , I find.
Sexual orientation facinates people especially older generations ..who you have sex with matters to their lifes for some reason..or parents worry about not having grandchildren.
Tis YOUR life , live it , have fun , be safe.
Posted by CtrlAlt n Del on June 4, 2002, at 15:45:07
In reply to Re: Being Gay or Lesbian, posted by CtrlAlt n Del on June 4, 2002, at 15:32:18
One thing I find about the hetrosexual (not all) attitude to bisexual people is the assumtion that we have sex like rabbits with multiple partners..Or is it just monogamous me : )
Posted by Bookgurl99 on June 4, 2002, at 16:29:52
In reply to Re: Being Gay or Lesbian, posted by Penny on June 4, 2002, at 12:33:37
> I'm thankful that you have someone there for you, even if she's not 'technically' family. Without my friends, I'd be lost...
>
> PennyActually, technically, she _is_ my family. It's the misperception that she isn't that causes multiple problems for us.
Posted by Penny on June 5, 2002, at 9:28:48
In reply to Re: Being Gay or Lesbian, posted by Bookgurl99 on June 4, 2002, at 16:29:52
Sorry...didn't mean to offend you. I know my friend considers her partner family as well, as I consider my friend family (we're like sisters).
But that adds to the point that I wouldn't worry about your other family...why does it matter what they think? You've got your partner...
I wish you all the best.
Penny
Posted by paxvox on June 5, 2002, at 20:36:04
In reply to Being Gay or Lesbian, posted by bookgurl99 on June 4, 2002, at 10:16:28
I am "straight" as far as sexual orientation, but one's sexuality is as much a stigma as one's pyschiatric problems. In the "old days" many gays were indeed considered and treated as if they suffered "mental illness". Now, of course, there is the bio-chemical explanation for being gay. Then, of course, we could throw in the wild cards of race and religion.....boy howdy! Now THAT would make THEM crazy!
Tell your parents that sometimes, although it may seem so, 1+1 doesn't always = 2. Try to love them anyways, because even though they may seem to be "offended" or upset about your sexual preference, I'm sure (hopefully) that they love you unconditionally (at least they should) even though they may not always like what you do, or sometimes might not even like "you". They will come around in time.
PAX
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