LGBT relationships often have hurdles that take time to overcome. One of the biggest challenges that you may face is falling in love with someone who is on a different place in their journey toward talking about their sexuality with others. Many people choose to withhold their true identity from their friends and family out of fear of being judged, and this can be upsetting for a partner who is out and proud. While you may wish that you could hold your partner's hand in public or attend their family events as a clear significant other, your partner just might not be ready for that yet. LGBT-affirming therapy services are designed to give you and your partner a safe place to talk about your feelings so that you can find ways to address the challenge of being in different stages of the coming out process.

Feel an Immediate Sense of Acceptance

If this is you or your partner's first serious LGBT relationship, then it is possible that there are feelings of fear and anxiety involved. LGBT-affirming therapy is offered by a therapist who respects your lifestyle and understands the need for a judgment-free zone. Being in an environment that affirms what you already know about love and sexuality allows you both to feel free to talk about your lifestyle. That sense of acceptance is often the first step towards helping someone build the strength to finally begin coming out to people in their everyday life.

Learn How to See Each Other's Perspective

The disconnect between couples who are in different stages of coming out can be very intense. For instance, one of you may have always been out and proud of it, while the other may have been made to feel shame through family and religious beliefs. If you've never been exposed to the kind of ideology that makes people feel ashamed of who they are, then you might not know how to help your partner feel safe coming out. A therapist who specializes in your type of relationship will understand how to help begin unwinding the roots of shame and guilt so that you can see each other's perspective better.

Make a Plan for Telling Others About Your Relationship

Having a plan in place can help the closeted person in your relationship feel better about opening up to others about your connection. Your therapist can help you decide if small steps such as holding hands in public might help them feel more comfortable. They can also help you to find the right way to tell others that you are together. Since this process is very personal, it helps to have the individualized support that a therapist provides for figuring out how and when to share the nature of your relationship with others.