How to find people like me..?

[Angelz]

I’ve got to admit, I’m not a very social person. I do have friends but they aren’t really like me, I like them but they’re homophobic at times and would judge me if I came out about how I feel.

I was just wondering if anybody had suggestions to find friends online or in real life that are a part of the lgbtq community, so that I could feel a bit more "at home".

[Heather]

You've found one of those places right here! How about creating a post in this part of the boards -- https://boards.scarleteen.com/viewforum.php?f=15 -- and asking other LGBTQA+ users (which are usually at least half of everyone who posts here) to hop in and say hi if they also want some more online peer queer connection?

I'm sorry to hear that some of your friends are homophobic and that you don't feel safe coming out to them. That really sucks. You might find this piece (and this whole series) helpful: https://www.scarleteen.com/read/identit ... -guy-group

What are you doing this summer? Anything where you have the opportunity to meet new people?

[Angelz]

Not really to be honest.. I don’t have any plans except ones with my friends, i don’t have a job for this summer and yeah for meeting new people my age especially, i don’t see where I could do that

I’ll check out the links you sent tho!

[Heather]

Do you live somewhere urban, rural or suburban? I ask because most urban cities in North America do have LGBTQA+ community groups, centers or both, some for young people.

How is all of this with your family? Might your parents or guardians be willing to help you try and forge some connections like this, or do they not feel safe for you to come out to, either?

[Angelz]

I live in an urban city yeah, and I don’t know I feel like they already know but I don’t want to talk to them about it.. but yeah maybe I could check out centers in my city

[Heather]

I understand. The timing in terms of when we want to come out to someone is such a personal thing. There's no one right time, way or answer, and you get to choose when and if it's right for you.

If you'd like some help finding those centers or groups, just give a shout with your postal code and we'll be happy to help you look!

[Angelz]

Sure! H2M 2C8

[Heather]

You're in or near my favorite city in Canada. I envy you! It's so beautiful there, and I love all the history and diversity.

Here are a few places/groups you might be able to access and check out:

Project 10 - https://www.p10.qc.ca/home (this is the English version because my French stinks, but there is a Francophone version as well, if you prefer).

Head and Hands -- https://headandhands.ca/ They offer a bunch of things, including https://headandhands.ca/programs-servic ... esse-2000/, a program for teens. A close friend of mine was on the board there for a long time, and it always seemed great.

http://www.lgbtq2centre.com/

https://alterheros.com/en/

[Angelz]

Thanks! I’ll check them out for sure

[Heather]

You're welcome. Anything else I can help you with today?