Sexual identity and sexual orientation are part of what makes you who you are. Sexual orientation is your sexual preference for people of the same sex, the opposite sex, or both.
Sexual identity is the label that you might use to let others know who you are as a sexual being.
LGBTI+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex.
Coming out
"Coming out" is the term used by LGBTI+ people to describe their experience of discovery, self-acceptance, openness and honesty about their LGBTI+ identity.
Whoever you are, or whatever your circumstances, coming out can be a challenging time. You may be afraid that family and friends might reject you when they find out you are LGBTI+. This can put a strain on your mental health.
Most people know they are LGBTI+ for some time before they decide to tell others. This can be a challenging experience, but a rewarding one.
Most people get a positive and supportive response from family and friends and feel happy that they made the decision to come out.
Bullying or harassment
LGBTI+ people can experience homophobic or transphobic bullying or harassment.
This type of bullying can happen anywhere. For example, the classroom, the workplace, the sports field or at home. Being bullied can make you feel upset, threatened, humiliated or vulnerable.
Bullying and harassment can cause physical, mental and social pain. It can make you feel alone, scared, angry, confused or sad. All of these can affect your mental health.
If you experience bullying or harassment, talk to someone about it. Speak to a friend, family member, colleague, counsellor or your GP.
Learn more about bullying and harassment
Relationship problems
Sometimes relationships can be a source of pressure for people. You can feel pressure to be someone you're not, or to do things you're unsure about. This can put a strain on your mental health.
Working on a new relationship can make it difficult for you to find enough time for your friends and family. When you start a relationship it is important to keep working on your existing friendships and family relationships.
Relationship break-ups can also have a powerful impact on your mental health. It can bring a range of emotions.
You may feel:
- anger
- sadness
- doubts about the future
- loneliness and isolation
Break-ups can be even more difficult if you are a parent. This is because you also have to deal with the impact on your children. It can be difficult to adjust to a new situation and this can affect your mental health. It's important to get support to help you through this difficult time.
When an LGBTI+ person loses their partner, they may not get the same reaction or support a heterosexual person gets.
People may fail to understand what your partner meant to you and the love you had for each other. Experiences like this can make getting over a break-up more difficult for LGBTI+ people.
Lack of support from family or friends
Some LGBTI+ people can experience a lack of support from family and friends. This may happen when you first come out, when you get into a relationship or when you start a family.
This can be hurtful and harmful to your mental health. Sometimes families or parents do not know how to support LGBTI+ family members. Some may need some support themselves. Information and supports are available for LGBTI+ people and their families.
Supports for LGBTI+ people and family
LGBT Helpline
The LGBT Ireland Helpline is a non-judgmental and confidential service. It provides listening, support and information for LGBTI+ people and their family and friends.
They also provide:
- support for those questioning if they might be LGBTI+
- instant support messaging
- peer support groups around the country
Young people
BeLonGTo Youth Services has a variety of supports and information for young LGBTI+ people and their family.
Intersex support
An intersex person is a person who is born with a combination of male and female biological traits. Online information and support for intersex people is provided by Spunout.ie and the Intersex Society of North America (ISNA).
Transgender support
Transgender people are people whose gender identity is different to the sex they were assigned at birth. The Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) has information and support for trans people.
General information
There are libraries of information, personal stories and advice for LGBTI+ people and their families on Reachout.com and Spunout.ie.
Mental health issues for LGBTI+ people (PDF, 7.5MB, 16 pages)