Inge Hansen, PsyD

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Inge Hansen, PsyD, is the Director of Well-Being at Stanford University and the Weiland Health Initiative. Dr. Hansen has professional interests in social justice and gender and sexual diversity. She earned her PsyD from the California School of Professional Psychology with specialized training in the area of gender and sexual identity. She is the co-author of The Ethical Sellout: Maintaining Your Integrity in the Age of Compromise.

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Forum Comments (2)

How to get rid of homophobic bullies

Remember that, just because your parents aren't accepting, this has nothing to do with you and your inherent worth. Find people in your life who will accept and celebrate you for who you are. Give your parents time and space as much as possible, and offer them opportunities to learn more about LGBTQ+ identities or to meet other parents who are further along in their acceptance journey, if they are open to it. If your parents are extremely homophobic, you may need to take precautions to protect your own emotional well-being and ensure you will still have home/financial support despite their beliefs.

How do I come out as bi?

Parents show a wide range in terms of their ability and willingness to accept their kids' sexual orientation, so some will need a lot more time and education to help them adjust than others. It's always a good idea to plan a conversation for when your parents are in a fairly calm and receptive frame of mind and to let them know you have something important to share with them. Let them know that you're bisexual and tell them how you've come to learn that this is your authentic identity. Help them to see that you are taking a risk by having this conversation with them and that it's an act of trust.

If your parents have a negative reaction to your news, you may want to give them some space and get yourself some support from a friend or someone else who already knows and accepts your identity. Remember that their initial reaction is not their forever reaction, and that they may need space, time, and education to catch up and be more ready to embrace you for your full authentic self. However, sometimes you may be happily surprised at how welcoming your parents turn out to be right from the start. Good luck!

Q&A Comments (30)

Can I stop hormone replacement therapy?

Yes, you can stop hormone replacement therapy at any time. Always talk to your doctor before stopping, and keep in mind that some effects from the therapy may reverse while others will be more permanent.

Am I able to stop gender-affirming hormone therapy once I've started?

You can stop hormone replacement therapy at any time. However, some of the effects may reverse while others will be more permanent. Talk to your doctor first before you stop taking hormones.

How can you remain confident when people don't like you?

Remember that it has nothing to do with you and your inherent worth. Find people in your life who will accept and celebrate you for who you are.

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