Dan's Story

When I first came to 2BU, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was anxious about being in a group and about saying the wrong thing. I’d spent so much time trying to stay invisible.

What made the difference was meeting someone who had been there too. My peer mentor didn’t give me advice or try to fix me. They just listened. They used the right name without me having to explain. They asked how I was and actually waited for the answer.

It was the first time I’d met someone who was out, confident in their identity, and still figuring things out, just like me. That felt huge.

Through our chats, I started to realise I could relax. I didn’t have to justify who I was or why I felt the way I did. They helped me see that identity is a journey, not a race, and that I didn’t have to do it alone.

Now, I look forward to group. I ask questions. I laugh. I even help welcome new people sometimes. That’s because someone took the time to hold space for me when I needed it most.

My Peer Mentor helped me feel safe enough to be me.