How do you explore your identity when you grew up in a very conservative environment?

Question

I grew up in a religious conservative community that had very specific beliefs about gender and sexuality. Now that I am an adult and living independently I am starting to question many things but I feel enormous guilt and fear about exploring who I actually am. Where do you start?

bella_long · Accepted Answer

Start by giving yourself permission to ask questions without needing to have answers yet. Exploration is not commitment. Reading, therapy with an affirming professional, and connecting with others who have navigated similar backgrounds can all help.

chloe_walker · Answer

The guilt and fear are real and they were installed by your environment, not by you. They will likely lessen as you build more life experience outside that context. Be patient with the pace of your own unlearning.

How do you explore your identity when you grew up in a very conservative environment?

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How do you explore your identity when you grew up in a very conservative environment?

2 answers Most votes Newest Oldest

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2 answers
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