I don’t know how many people on here need to hear this but here goes: 1. OCD is capable of anything: feelings, changes with the body, literally anything! It doesn’t have to mean the thought it true or false. Usually we attach meaning to the thought/feeling. Usually however it makes us react; typically the opposite is true (not always the case). Groinal responses, heart palpitations, dry mouth, “false”/over-exaggerated attraction are all common with my subtype. 2. Irrational beliefs are just that, irrational. Not for one minute would I suggest reassurance. But if you’re like me and you have a rigid thought process on your subtype. Sometimes researching the fact that things aren’t black and white, can help. For example, I suffer with SO-OCD (HOCD). I identify as a straight, male. However, I thought that certain sexual practices were only acceptable or interested in, by members of the LGBTQ community. A very naive and frankly small-minded approach to thinking. So just that knowledge can make us realise, things aren’t black and white as they seem. 3. Fear fuels OCD. Whatever you fear causes OCD to latch to it. Again, for me and I’m sure many of you (even my LGBTQ members will agree), the fear of being a “different” orientation was terrifying. So as I got older and saw how badly other orientations were treated, I feared it more. So anything which even remotely lead me to thinking differently about my orientation, made me get even more hyper aware, which the lead into where I am now! OCD can latch to any fear and fear is usually attached to something which makes us question our values etc. For me, lying to people just wasn’t an option. I have to be honest. 4. You can recover, but it’s a slow process! I work with a therapist through NOCD and it has helped me really dig out my route fear and practice working on that. Until you isolate what it is you fear exactly, you’ll never truly be able to face it and as a result, be on the road to recovery. Finally, just to say to all my LGBTQ members. I have nothing but admiration for you and since suffering with HOCD, I could not have more respect for you and how brave you are. I want you to all know, anyone who suffers with this subtype is not being homophobic when they say “I don’t want to be gay” or anything on that nature. It’s because it doesn’t align with what they thought they were prior to OCD. Also, for anyone who is homophobic - you’re absolute scum! All the best!