Gay Men’s Issues

Are you looking for gay counseling in Orlando? Dealing with issues specific to gay men? Sometime we are unable to articulate why being gay is a struggle. And other times it is very easy to say way being gay is hard. But it certainly is difficult to be a gay man, even in today’s more open and accepting society. Despite these steps forward, many gay men were raised dealing with homophobia, toxic masculinity, and an isolated existence. Many gay men became unsure of themselves because of all of the negative messages they have heard through out their lives. Issues specific to gay men can complicate one’s emotional well being.  

Cycle of Shame

You struggle with negative self worth, issues with being rejected, self sabotage and toxic shame. This could be a result of living as a gay man is today’s society. It can be difficult to overcome the internal shame that this causes. And in fact this toxic shame can create a cycle that creates an inability to learn from one’s mistakes as a result of working to avoid shame. When we get caught in this cycle we work so hard to avoid shame that we are unable to accept that we made a mistake. And then we are unable to learn the lesson and better ourselves. Thus, repeating the mistake over and over. This cycle of shame is deep rooted in gay men as a result of homophobia of growing up gay in a dismissive society.

Effects of homophobia/internalized homophobia

Another area that homophobia deeply effects gay men is in being able to navigate romantic relationships with out shame or stigma. When you are told that you should not love another man, it effects the way you are in that relationship. Some men find that they will not admit to themselves that they are in the wrong relationship because they would validate homophobia. Thus, staying in a relationship that might not work for them. Some take the other route of dealing with homophobia by internalizing it and believing it. Thus, feeling like they will never be successful in a romantic relationship.

But working to rewrite these thoughts we think we know about the world around us is helpful. You can also learn to find internal validation, which can be very difficult without self reflection. As a result, you can create awareness and change the way you see these issues. This shift can help you become a happier and healthier gay man and work though internalized homophobia.

At Orlando Counseling & Therapy Group, we offer gay counseling in Orlando. Through this counseling we work hard to help these gentlemen to becoming the best version of themselves. This will take you time and self reflection. Once you deal with some of the issues specific to gay men and stop cycles that keep one stuck, our ability to live a happier life increases.