Denying Your Sexuality.

[Ella_Rose]

I have known since 6th year that I was Lesbian. I have told some of my friends, but I still deny it. Everytime one of my friends comes up to me and asks if I think a girl is cute, I say something along the lines of, " I'm not gay, that's gross. You know I was kidding when I told you." And yet I tell them later that I did find that girl cute. I guess I feel awkward about being open about my sexuality in person, even when I'm around my girlfriend. I still feel I need to hide. How can I be more comfortable in public?

[Loving Linux Penguin]

Honestly, I think pretty much the only way to BE comfortable with something is to put yourself in an uncomfortable position. Next time someone asks you if you like a girl or whatever, tell them the honest truth (assuming you think you would be safe if you told them). It will be uncomfortable, but over time you will eventually adjust to it.

[LostAngels]

The above post is completely correct.
You need to be able to make yourself feel awkward, and stick to it. Eventually you'll see that your friends aren't judging you, therefor there's no need to be that extent of secretive.
I've noticed with my gay friends that the only 'cure' to embarrassment and shyness is experience. The first little while is going to be incredibly uncomfortable, but trust me, one day not only will you accept it, you'll be proud of it.

[bbratton]

When I first came out at the age of 19(after knowing all my life i was gay) I was really uncomfortable with it also. But if you just remember that you are who you are and the only person who has to be comfortable is you then it will get easier for you. If you want to hold your gf hand then hold her hand. Be PROUD of who you are. and remember Dr. Seuss "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter dont mind."

[leavemealone]

It makes sense to feel insecure about this and wonder if its actually how you feel. But if you have a girlfriend, and you already told your friends that your lesbian, its time that you accepted it. To accept this, you have to embrace it first. Let yourself know that its okay to feel this way. Stay strong!

[Celestial.]

Hey there.

I know that coming out can be a difficult experience, especially if you haven't first gone through the process of 'coming in' - that is, accepting your own sexuality. It sounds like you have some reservations about being gay, even though that's what you feel you are. Do you know when/how these started, or why you feel like you have to hide? Have your friends or family demonstrated a negative attitude towards LGBT people, for example, or is it more that you feel like being gay is wrong because it's not the norm? If you can figure out why you feel this way, you can figure out how to move on from these feelings that are holding you back.

The thing is, your sexual orientation is your business, and you can be as open about it as you like. If you're not comfortable with it just yet, that's okay; it takes some people time to come to terms with it, and even longer to be open about it in public. From the sounds of it, though, your friends are supportive of this. Maybe you could try talking to one of them, or your girlfriend, about how you feel, and see if you can come up with some solutions. As the others have said, it can help to start small. If somebody asks you if a girl is cute, take the plunge and answer honestly - chances are you'll feel better afterwards.

I know that when I first came out, I was a little hesitant to talk about it with my friends, even those I was closest to. If somebody asked who I liked, for example, I'd just say 'Nobody' even if I did have a crush on someone, just because I felt strange talking about girl crushes with my female friends, who liked guys. But I've realised that I have every right to my feelings, and I shouldn't feel ashamed for liking girls. It's just who I am, as natural as my friends being straight. Give yourself time. You don't have to accept yourself overnight. Just know that you are who you are, you like who you like, and there's nothing wrong with that.

Good luck with everything. Take care.

[Loving Linux Penguin]

Honestly, when I came out to all of my friends on the night of May 10, I instantly got SO much more comfortable. It was like all that weight was lifted right off my chest. Now, I'm not saying you have to come out right away, especially if you feel that you aren't ready to handle it if anyone reacts badly, or if you feel you would be physically or emotionally unsafe. BUT when you are ready, just let yourself take the weight off. It probably won't be as bad as you think, and I promise you that no matter what you will still have SOMEONE who loves you just the way you are.

In the meantime, just do what you can do. If you feel safe, just be as honest and proud as you can possibly be.

[katpanda]

You are your own person. I think the reason you may be denying yourself your identity is because you are scared of other people and their opinions.
Everyone is allowed to their own opinions as you are yours. So, you need to put some trust in a close friend or two or even a parent and have them work together with you to help be able to accept yourself.
No one should have to cover up who they really are. But, some people are very sensitive and are scared of the criticism that my arise. I know this may sounds kind of corny, but you need to keep your head up and be yourself. Eventually, people will start to realise that they can't keep judging you and harrassing you forever so they let it go and let you live how you want to live.
I am no saying they will get over it straight away but it will happen as long as you show them that you aren't going to take their crap to heart.
Be yourself, love yourself and live life in the way that makes you happy in your own skin.