HOCD is not unique to teens but can occur at any age. This post is not about the anxiety associated with being gay or with “coming out” but instead discusses homosexual OCD (“HOCD”), an anxiety disorder that affects a small number of individuals. Anxiety, distress, and confusion are often part of this process. They must also deal with opinionated parents, friends, and others who sometimes hold differing views about sexuality. In addition to learning to understand their own sexuality, gay teens must navigate complex situations and pressures that may not be relevant for straight teens.
Fear of Being Gay (Homosexual OCD / HOCD)Įmerging sexuality can be confusing for any teen or young adult, and gay teens face a variety of unique challenges over the course of adolescence. Straight people with HOCD fear they may become gay (or are secretly gay) gay people may fear becoming straight. Homosexual OCD (HOCD) involves obsessions related to one’s sexual orientation.
