Tag: Shame
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Leviticus: The Horror of Gay Conversion Therapy
I’m not usually into the fantasy / horror genre, but Leviticus, a new Australian queer film written and directed by Adrian Chiarella, continues to occupy my thoughts long after leaving the cinema. What I find most compelling about Leviticus is that the horror is not really about supernatural demons. It is about conversion therapy, religious conditioning and something…
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Your Mental Health Deserves a GP for Gay Men
Many gay men grow up believing they must look after themselves on their own. We learn to self-manage, to minimise our needs, and to keep parts of ourselves hidden from doctors who might not understand. For some of us, this leads to a habit of moving between GP practices whenever something feels uncomfortable. But a…
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Daddy Issues and Gay Men: Ageism or Anxious Attachment?
Daddy Issues. Gay men throw this expression around casually. You’ll see it on TikTok, hear it in passing jokes and it’s used to shame those who are attracted to older partners. But what does it actually mean? And more importantly, is it helpful or harmful? Not all daddy issues are about trauma. And not all…
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Feeling Better as a Gay Man: Overcoming Not-Enough Syndrome.
Many gay men grapple with a pervasive sense of not feeling “good enough” or being “enough.” This internalized belief often stems from early experiences of shame, societal rejection, and the relentless comparison to heteronormative standards. Understanding and addressing this deep-seated feeling is crucial for personal growth, self-esteem, and self-acceptance. Learning self-compassion can be a transformative…
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Self-Compassion Coaching as Gay Men’s Therapy for Low Self-Esteem.
When overcoming the shame of feeling inadequate, deficient, or ‘not enough’ it can help to have some encouragement and coaching. Finding your inner cheerleader can assist you to feel less overwhelmed and connect with others.
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Gay Shame and Fear of Rejection: How a Gay Counsellor can Help
Fear of rejection is a common reason gay men seek counselling, and rightly so. No one wants to feel like he is ‘not good enough’ or ‘not as good’ as others. And feeling inferior can lead us to withdraw from the world, to escape or overcompensate. We end up making twice as much effort just…
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Fear of HIV: Counselling for Gay Men
I’m so worried about HIV I can’t enjoy sex… … every time I say ‘that’s the last time I bareback’, but then I do it again… …I’m thinking about going on PrEP.
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Journey Out of Shame: 4 Factors Influencing Transition into Gay Life
You can’t live anyone else’s life, just your own. So you have to keep giving yourself what you need on your journey and transition into gay life.