Oh wow, thanks for reading, and for such a detailed response! I do agree to a point that there may have been some form of internalised homophobia as a result of my dad's attitudes - Perhaps Bruce picked up on these and just did a terrible job of pointing them out!

One of the considerations that helped me when getting to know my new beau was that I am not defined by his characteristics, and that it is possible to have a relationship and maintain your own identity without it being threatened by differences in character.

There's a quote I like but can't remember where it's from (probably Netflix):

"By constantly running away, we become defined by that which we seek to avoid."

Thanks for reading.