Many LGBTQ+ people carry emotional wounds from childhood bullying, rejection, or growing up in environments where their gender identity or sexuality wasn’t accepted or validated. While the bullying itself may have happened years ago, the psychological impact can continue well into adulthood, shaping self esteem, relationships, confidence, and the way people see themselves.
Childhood bullying related to sexual orientation or gender identity can create deep feelings of shame, hypervigilance, anxiety, and self criticism. For some people, those experiences become internalised, leaving them constantly questioning their worth or feeling unsafe fully expressing who they are.
In this video, I explore the lasting impact of LGBTQ+ childhood bullying and trauma, how those experiences can continue to affect adult mental health and relationships, and why healing often begins with reconnecting to the parts of ourselves that were silenced or rejected growing up.
If any of this resonates with you and you’d like support exploring it further, I offer LGBTQ+ affirming therapy both online and in person from my practice in Manchester city centre. You’re welcome to get in touch to arrange a free 15 minute introductory call.