Your head might feel like it’s going to explode on A-Level results day – it doesn’t have to
Let’s just be clear: being queer, LGBTI or just different at school or college – can be difficult. So no matter what happens on A-Level results day, the fact you’ve got this far, is an achievement.
Congratulations, you are amazing.
With this in mind, we’ve put together some key things to remember on A-Level results day.
In 2018, it takes place in the UK on 16 August.
EMOTIONS. EMOTIONS EVERYWHERE
There will be a lot of them. And that’s ok.
Going with friends, or having someone on call for emergency hugs – is going to be crucial today.
Don’t forget the tissues either.
Remember, there are lots of options open to you even if you didn’t get the A-level results you were hoping for.
Whether clearing is the right choice for you, another year at college or hey – a whole new plan. It’s OK that things change.
If you’re looking for advice, teachers are a great first port of call when looking for the best person to speak to.
Queer resilience will get you through
Despite what might feel like an age to wait – the day will be over before you know it.
While your brain is running at 100 queer miles an hour, take a chance to stop and think.
Practice your best posh pinky tea drinking action
Taking a breather is important, and if you need some words to keep your mind busy?
Blast out some internal Lady Gaga tunes:
‘Don’t hide yourself in regret, Just love yourself and you’re set, I’m on the right track baby, I was born this way’
Get the glitter and confetti ready
If I was writing a manifesto for life, it would start with a policy for more glitter.
So good results or not quite the ones you wanted – glitter is important today.
Seriously, you should always have one of these ready to go.
Actually, glitter is important every day. The pure joy of celebrating life with confetti is very important.
Nothing says I was ‘born this way’ like rainbows exploding out of cannons.
But all I want to do is go to uni and come out
Power to you. Coming out is very much yours to own.
You won’t be alone in getting to university, and coming out for the first time.
Remember, it’s not a race.
It’s a scary, and also liberating time. So if you’ve got the results you want – awesome!
If not, don’t fear. This won’t scupper your big plans. And actually, what’s important to realize about coming out is, it’s not really just one moment. It’s a process.
Speaking to GSN, Professor Janet Reibstein reminds people to think about the pace of your coming out, whether that happens at university or indeed, anywhere.
‘Invite people into a conversation, rather than making an announcement. which can often be disheartening, and the reception not what you expect. You invite people into the process rather than ram the process on them.’
We have lots of advice on coming out wherever and whenever you are ready to do it.
Don’t over think it
The results you get can change what you might be planning for your future. So it’s easy to get caught daydreaming about this.
However, studies show that even positive visualization can increase your anxieties about this whirlwind day.
When your head is ready to explode with plans, options, and pizza toppings – the last thing you need to do is keep running that dream scenario around in your head.
This is the time to break out your favorite LGBTI movie and snuggle up.
Maybe order a pizza too. Extra cheese wouldn’t hurt.
Don’t let the day be a drag
If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love someone else? – Ru always knows best.
So, sashay your way to your results pick up. That way you’ll always have the incredible runway strut to pick up the results envelope, in the bag.
Don’t forget to shantay too
And what ever happens on A-Level results day, make sure you’ve invited all your friends round for a Ru Paul marathon after.
As if you really needed a reason anyway.
More from Gay Star Students:
Bisexual student says ‘don’t let other people’s expectations get you down’
