I'm a 23-year-old Middle Eastern male born somewhere in the Persian Gulf. I've been surfacing the internet looking for some sort of forum where I'd feel comfortable chatting about literally everything that's in my head as I'm completely endangered if caught and unable to utter a word about anything that interests me in life. I don't have real-life friends, I don't spend time with my family, and I hardly [if at all] leave the house; pure isolation from the world outside of my bedroom. I've always known that I'm homosexual since childhood but kept it a secret and even lied to myself throughout my life unfortunately because I grew up in a strictly conservative Islamic family (extremely homophobic and zealous) and I was ashamed of myself, I eventually got to the point where I embraced my sexuality and decided that I need to leave to survive and thrive in one way or another, possibly through an asylum programme. I've suffered constant daily physical and mental abuse from my parents that persist today. Secretly being an atheist, a dissident, and LGBT in a country where such people are executed inhumanely, is absolutely exacerbating and mentally draining, leading me to hardcore paranoia and suicidal tendencies due to lack of opportunities for a safer life away from the possibilities of death. I'm interested in gender transition. I have always wished that I was born a female, it troubles me that I was born a male, especially when expected/assumed to be "manly", particularly disturbing. My family has already pre-planned my marriage, which I'm totally against, but I have no choice. I'm not great at introductions, I apologise for the long wall of text.
Hello and welcome to EC! Sorry that the environment is so hostile! It sounds very mentally draining indeed Hope you are able to find some support and socialization here on EC. In particular, feel free to check out the sexual orientation and gender identity/expression subforums
Buried Alive.....Hello and a great big LGBTQIA+ welcome to Empty Closets! I am so sorry for the situation that you find yourself in. I can only hope that someday you would find a way to leave where you are and go to a country where you could live as the real person that you are without fear. There are a number of sub-forums here on EC...why don't you check them out and then feel free to join in the conversations! You can ask questions in any of the Sub-forums by creating a new thread or by joining in a conversation-thread that is already going. You can also post a message on anyone's Profile Page after you have made at least ten posts yourself. If you have a question that is somewhat private you can always send a Private Message to any Staff Member. Normally Private Messages can only be exchanged between two Full Members, but a PM to a Staff Member is an exception. We are so glad that you have found us here on Empty Closets! .....David
Hi and welcome! Wow... I want you to know how sincerely moved I am by your post. You have such unbelievable courage to face this everyday! I do feel you will find some solace here. God my heart goes out to you. Not sure what else I can say other than there are others who understand this and that you are very loved and very worthy of a fulfilling and safe life!
Welcome Buried. Sorry to hear about the circumstances you are in. You're a brave person, facing this. I hope you'll find some comfort over here !
Hi there and welcome to the community. Hopefully being part of Empty Closets will give you a chance to be yourself, not having to worry about things.