Raie’s story

My experience of growing up bisexual in a small town was challenging, I felt like I was always the other - Different. Difficult. Outspoken. Odd. 

I was rejected for being me, abandoned by my family very young. It taught me that who I was, was unacceptable. The people closest to me couldn't love me for who I was, and as a result I felt I should have been someone else. 

Rejection equalled loss of connection with myself & others. This early experience led me to a cycle of substance abuse for years, just trying & fill that void - of not belonging or being good enough. It felt easier to let go and attempt suicide than to try to figure out and accept who I was, and live a better life. 

Ironically, I now see that uniqueness as a reason to rejoice. It's been a long road to accepting my identity, with lots of loving supporters & therapy! There are still rough times but I'm an expert in my own survival now. 

“I personally believe connection is the antithesis of the loneliness & shame that so many LGBTIQA+ community members experience. Connection is how we overcome these challenges and find meaning together. ”

I see these experiences I’ve had as useful to potentially support others in a way I wished I'd had back then. I now work in a peer mental health support role for people in crisis. I know people appreciate the openness, empathy & humour we share. It’s not clinical - it's based on mutual understanding & connection. I’m so very grateful for the empathy I have developed and the learning I receive when working with peers. 

I personally believe connection is the antithesis of the loneliness & shame that so many LGBTIQA+ community members experience. Connection is how we overcome these challenges and find meaning together. 

For those of us that are proud to have come this far, that are comfortable to disclose personal struggles – I believe it can assist in diminishing stigma around mental ill health. Visibility counts, it extends relatability to people who might be suffering. For me, living well with my nuanced sides is possible, and telling a personal story of survival shows others there is always hope.