Being gay and abstinent for over two years has been both empowering and challenging. In a community where sex is often a central focus, it sometimes feels isolating. There’s this unspoken pressure to participate in a culture that celebrates hookups and sexual expression, which can make it hard to find spaces where abstinence is respected. I’ve struggled with feeling out of place, like my choice makes me less connected to others, or that I’m missing out on something important. But for me, abstinence is about personal growth and redefining intimacy on my own terms. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it. Finding balance between my identity and my values is a journey, and I’m learning that there’s no one right way to live authentically in the LGBTQ community.

Anyone else feel this way or going the journey I am?