Coming out as a member of the LGBTQ community is not easy. A lot of people turn to therapists for support as they begin coming out to family and friends. If you came out years ago, you may assume there's no need for therapy. But in fact, LGBTQ therapy is not just for those who recently came out or are thinking of coming out. Here are some signs that you could benefit from LBGTQ support therapy, even if you came out years ago.

You're still questioning your sexual preferences or gender.

Maybe you came out as gay years ago, but that has never felt quite right. Or perhaps you transitioned from male to female years ago, but that label isn't feeling so comfortable anymore. It's not uncommon for people to take several steps when discovering their own sexual preferences and gender. The label you "came out" with years ago may have been the best you could do at the time, but if it is no longer suiting you, that can be hard to work through. A therapist can help guide you as you continue down this path of self-exploration and discover, more fully, who you really are.

You have trouble being yourself in certain settings.

Coming out does not always mean you instantly feel comfortable truly being "you" at all times. Some people struggle to be themselves in certain situations for years after coming out. Maybe, for example, you find yourself dressing in less gender-affirming ways when you go to work. Or maybe there are certain family members who you find yourself acting more "straight" around. You deserve to be totally you, all the time, in every situation. A therapist can help you gain confidence in yourself so you can work towards becoming more open in these situations.

You've been facing a lot of discrimination or harassment.

While the world as a whole has become more welcoming to LGBTQ folks, there are definitely still some people who discriminate against members of your community and harass them. This can be difficult to tolerate, even for someone who has been out and proud for years. A therapist can help you work through the negative emotions that the harassment brings up. They can also help teach you strategies for counteracting this harassment in safe and effective ways.

LBGTQ therapy specialists are there for you, and not just when you're coming out. Regardless of how long you've been out, you should feel comfortable reaching out to these therapists as needed.