Hi everyone, I’m a 23-year-old gay man currently dealing with pressure from my family to stay into a marriage I don’t want, and they forced me into it. The expectation is coming from cultural and religious traditions, and while I understand where they’re coming from, it feels like I’m losing control of my own life.
They frame it as "what's best for me," but I’ve made it clear I don’t want this. Despite that, the pressure keeps coming—guilt, manipulation, even threats of being disowned. It’s affected my mental health in ways I didn’t expect. I feel trapped, alone, and voiceless. Marrying a woman can never change a gay man's sexuality. My pain and agony has proven it to myself… and I urge people who are in similar situations to escape ASAP. It only damages your life, and the woman.
After searching Reddit, I noticed there wasn’t a specific space for people in this situation. So, I created r/ForcedMarriageSupport — a safe, anonymous community for anyone dealing with forced marriage, coercive family pressure, or cultural expectations that take away our right to choose.
It’s still brand new, but I wanted to reach out here for two reasons:
To ask for advice: Has anyone else been through something like this? How did you cope or find help?
To offer a space: If you or someone you know is dealing with this, r/ForcedMarriageSupport is open and judgment-free.
I’m just one person trying to create what I wish I had when I was at my lowest. Any feedback on the subreddit or how to keep it safe and supportive would mean a lot.
TLDR: 23M pressured into a marriage I don’t want. Started r/ForcedMarriageSupport as a support space for others facing the same. Looking for advice, support, and suggestions.