Does anyone ever feel uncomfortable around straight men? I was bullied by the CIS guys in my high school and college and now that I'm an adult, I still find myself getting anxious around straight men.

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Sorry to hear, OP. I too felt anxious around straight guys as a teenager. As an adult, I forced myself to interact with straight guys, which lowered my anxiety over time. The fear was in my head, and I faced my fear. If guys were uncomfortable around me, it was their problem. I was careful to avoid staring, touching, and walking behind them. Every guy/group is different so I’ve learned to adapt. I disclose that I’m gay only if asked.

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I prefer the company of straight men. Makes my gay life very lonely

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Yes, 100%

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It depends, if they are people I am familiar with I am usually ok. Or if I’m in a group of people mixed with other members of the community, I am okay. But being one on one with a straight make makes me uncomfortable and if I am alone with a group of straight guys, I do get pretty anxious.

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No

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I don't feel anxiety around straight men at all,but because I am human,I can sense their sexual based interest. They see me as a challenge,like climbing Half Peak. I've always worked with crews made up mostly of men,so no biggie. I do get irritated tho at the males always seeking attention. Then in my head I'm asking "can't this MF see I'm gay AF?" Everyone can tell right away,but there's always a select few that act like they can't tell or think they'll be the magic needed to make me straight. Irritating AF,but anxiety -nope.

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I am straight passing, often described as Masc. I’ve found some straight men are incredibly homophobic and insecure (using slurs around me about someone else, etc).

But I’m not uncomfortable around them. If you’re uncomfortable, I would work with a therapist to build a coping ability - as this world is full of straight men.

“People wouldn’t know I’m gay unless I told them.” Is that a suitable “straight passing” alternative, A2?

likesmart

Yes hate being around men in general and straight men in particular

Sounds like this has created some trauma for you. If you can, I would try therapy to get to the root cause of the fear and go from there.

A lot of times we are fearful of the response of straight people knowing that we are gay! It’s just like coming out to your parents! You are terrified of how they will react or if they will accept you. The same happens when you are around or amongst heterosexuals. Your truth is your truth. We have to be ok with not being accepted in every circle. To some it will be no big deal, to the super masculine or judgmental person, they will certainly take issue. That’s doesn’t define you, so simply move around and keep being you!

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