About Me
Growing up on a small, conservative island within a religious Greek-Russian Orthodox family, I was born into a world where gender roles were expected. I was drawn to adventure, sports, and activities that were considered "boyish."
Because of these interests, my family and relatives would jokingly call me a boy. But these jokes served as a constant reminder that I didn't fit into the mold they expected. Social conditioning and these traditional rules never sat right with me.
I first felt an attraction to girls as a child. At the time, I didn't fully understand what it meant. In the 90s and early 2000s, the LGBTQ+ community was invisible—there was no representation on television, in public spaces, or anywhere within my immediate experience.
As a teenager, I tried to conform to societal expectations. I sought validation from boys, believing that their attention was what I needed to feel valued. However, my relationships with them always felt hollow. I was drawn to boys because that was what society told me was normal, but these relationships were shallow and driven by a need for attention rather than genuine connection. My interactions with boys were fraught with discomfort. I found myself questioning my identity, wondering if my attraction to girls was a result of trauma or simply the way I was born.
My first real understanding of my sexuality came as a teenager when I fell in love with a girl. I finally understood what being gay meant for me, but with that understanding came fear. I believed that being gay was so rare that it happened to one in a million people. I thought I was doomed to live a life of secrecy, hiding my true self from the world. The idea of being out and proud never even crossed my mind. In those days, being gay meant staying in the closet, and I was convinced that I would have to hide my true self forever.
Because my parents are immigrants I felt an extra weight on my shoulders to not disappoint them. Immigrant parents love to brag about their kids because we the kids, are the reflection of their hard work and sacrifices. I thought there would be nothing to brag about when they find out I'm a lesbian, I would be hurting them for something that isn't even my choice. I vividly remember the fear and shame that accompanied my first relationship with a girl. We would hide in parks, stealing moments of affection, always terrified that someone might see us. The thought of being caught kissing another girl was horrifying—I was convinced that people would see us as monsters, as if we were doing something horribly wrong. When my then girlfriend's parents discovered our relationship, they banned her from seeing me. It was my first heartbreak, and it left me feeling more isolated and wrong than ever before. I couldn't understand why something as pure and natural as love was seen as something to be hidden and shamed.
This internalized homophobia, combined with the pressures of growing up in a conservative society, shattered my confidence. I began to believe that I was fundamentally flawed. I thought that because I was gay, I wasn't smart or capable of achieving anything significant. I was convinced that I was "fucked up," that my sexuality was a curse that would prevent me from ever being successful or happy. My teenage years were marked by depression and suicidal thoughts, as I struggled to reconcile my true self with the expectations placed upon me by society and my family. But then, something changed. I embarked on a journey of self-development and healing, seeking out coaching and support to help me navigate my complex emotions and deep- seated shame. I learned the most important lesson of my life: to accept and love myself for who I am, to give love to my inner child that I neglected for so long because I thought she was not worthy of love. I realized that my worth wasn't determined by others' acceptance or rejection. I began to transform my shame, guilt, and trauma into empowerment and strength.
Building self-worth became the foundation of my healing. I stopped seeking validation from those around me and started looking inward for affirmation. I no longer considered someone "nice" just because they weren't homophobic. Instead, I became a proud, strong person, always authentic and unapologetically myself. Today, I am a completely different person. I no longer wear a mask to make others comfortable or to be liked.
My personal growth has translated into success in my professional life as well. I've built a thriving business that reflects my authentic self, and I'm moving forward in life with confidence and joy. I am happy, grateful to be alive every day, and proud of the person I've become.My relationships—with my family, friends, and within myself—are healthy and fulfilling. My authenticity has attracted clients who appreciate my honesty and my refusal to compromise on my values.
I feel free, proud, and empowered. I'm living my best life, and I wouldn't change a thing. If my story resonates with you, know that I understand the deep pain of feeling trapped in a life that doesn't reflect who you truly are. I've been there—struggling under the weight of societal expectations, battling the fear of rejection, and feeling like I had to hide my true self just to survive. But I also know what it feels like to break free, to shed the shame and guilt, and to step into a life of authenticity and empowerment. I believe that every person, regardless of their background, deserves to live a life that aligns with their true identity. Coaching can be the catalyst for this transformation. It can help you dismantle the limiting beliefs that have held you back and empower you to embrace your true self with pride and confidence.
Imagine a life where you no longer feel the need to wear a mask, where you can express your authentic self freely and without fear. You don't have to navigate this journey alone. If you're ready to step into your authentic self and create a life where you can thrive without compromise, take the first step today.
Connect with me for a complementary transformation call, where you will ignite a new perspective and unlock the potential for profound change in your life. Together, we will explore your goals, challenges, and how coaching can support you in living the life you've always desired. We'll break down the barriers that have been holding you back so you can embrace your true self and live a life of freedom, pride, and empowerment.
Remember, the power to transform your life is already within you—let's unlock it together.
