You must learn to love yourself before others can truly love you. Self-love is essential for a happy and fulfilling life. If you can’t accept and love the person you live with every day—yourself—how can you expect anyone else to? Unfortunately, for many in the gender diverse community, self-acceptance can be especially difficult due to…
Self-love is essential for a happy and fulfilling life. If you can’t accept and love the person you live with every day—yourself—how can you expect anyone else to? Unfortunately, for many in the gender diverse community, self-acceptance can be especially difficult due to societal stigma and negativity toward those who are not heterosexual or cisgender.
According to the World Health Organization, nearly 800,000 people worldwide die by suicide each year, with more than 79% of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Certain groups, including Queer individuals, young people aged 15-29, migrants, refugees, indigenous populations, and prisoners, face a higher risk due to discrimination and bullying.
In the South Asian context, accepting one’s sexual orientation and gender identity can be particularly challenging, as societal expectations often prevent individuals from being true to themselves. Seeking professional mental health support can also be difficult due to cultural barriers. As a result, some individuals, overwhelmed by social stigma and pressure, may resort to desperate measures, including suicide attempts, self-harm, or self-destructive behaviors.
While it’s easy to say that being surrounded by supportive, like-minded people leads to a happy life, the truth is that self-love and self-care are crucial. You must prioritize yourself first, because you can’t expect others to be there for you when you’re struggling if you don’t first show up for yourself. Taking care of your body—whether through nurturing your skin, wearing a fragrance that makes you feel confident, or avoiding harmful substances—can boost your self-esteem. Regular physical activity like jogging, swimming, walking, or weightlifting, along with drinking plenty of water, can also improve your mental health and bring greater peace to your life.
So, don’t isolate yourself. Stay connected with those who care about you and remember to love yourself.
Brave Dimension Global 