Am I a Bad Muslim? Seeking Help with My Identity
As-salamu alaykum. I (F) have struggled with feelings about my gender my whole life. I remember my mum once saying I acted like boys, and I always wanted to play and behave in ways others called boyish. I was also in a romantic relationship with another girl. Lately I felt so overwhelmed by how my life turned out that I decided to try therapy. The therapist told me I’m not a man, that I’m a normal girl. Hearing that hurt me deeply - it felt like something inside me died. The therapist said she’d support me no matter what and that my experiences shaped my feelings, and that there’s nothing wrong with how Allah created me. She also kept saying my thoughts don’t define me. But then what does define me? I’ve felt like this since childhood, and my love for that girl - who is now my ex - was stronger than she understood. I ended the relationship, but we stayed friends. I suggested she see the same therapist and she did; I took a break from therapy because my head was a mess and I felt rushed. My relationship with Allah, the One I always turned to, doesn’t feel the same. I’m inconsistent in my prayers and I can’t bring myself to ask Allah for help the way I used to. I’ve become short-tempered and disrespectful with people, my energy is gone, and I struggle to do anything. I really hope I find the right help and guidance. Please keep me in your duas.