Exploring sexuality can be simultaneously thrilling and terrifying—there's so much to be learned and discovered, but the risk of rejection from potential partners, loved ones, and friends is high. Fear of judgment and ostracism can lead to a sense of isolation and loneliness. The added weight of guilt, shame, or inadequacy can create a significant emotional burden during this time.

Personal or Private (primary); Regrets, Guilt, or Shame; Family and Relationships

CONCEALING A SEXUAL IDENTITY, HAVING CERTAIN SEXUAL PREFERENCES

ABANDONMENT, BEING ATTACKED, BEING JUDGED, BEING LABELED, BEING SEPARATED FROM LOVED ONES, BEING UNSAFE, BETRAYAL, CHANGE, CONDITIONAL LOVE, CONFLICT, CRITICISM, DISCRIMINATION, HUMILIATION, ISOLATION, LETTING OTHERS DOWN, LOSING ONE'S SOCIAL STANDING, LOSING THE RESPECT OF OTHERS, NEVER FINDING HAPPINESS, NOT FITTING IN, PERSECUTION, PUTTING ONESELF OUT THERE, REJECTION, SEX, TRUSTING OTHERS

Loneliness and isolation arising from the character distancing themselves from friends, loved ones, or co-workers 
Bearing a heavy burden alone because they believe no one understands what they're going through
Difficulty reconciling their explorations and what they mean for them personally with an imposed binary image from their family of origin
Engaging in unsafe romantic encounters out of desperation to connect with others
Struggling with depression, anxiety, or substance abuse as they come to terms with what they're learning about themselves
Keeping romantic relationships superficial to avoid being hurt or rejected

Using alternate personas to interact (online or in person) with potential partners or members of the community the character is identifying with 
Deflecting questions about their personal or dating life
Having sleepovers with a same sex “best friend” as a cover to explore a sexual attraction
Curating an “acceptable” public persona while exploring in private
Traveling to a different location (city, state, or country) to explore options that wouldn't be accepted by others
Clearing browser histories after every session
Maintaining an expected romantic relationship as a cover
Avoiding family get togethers where awkward questions might be asked