Being in my late teens i do get a lot of of stick from family and freinds(who dont yet know thank god!)about the way i look,being bearded and abit on the large side,and this does make me feel frustrated.Just wonderd if any body else had this problem?

I am sorry to hear you are having a problem. Just think what they would say if you were more toward the Boy George side of things.
I was very lucky that my family accepted me from the start. I wish you the best of luck,
Being true to yourself is the best way to make it through most any problem. If you are doing what feels right in your heart than you are doing the right thing for yourself. Anything short of that will make you crazy.

thank you

What should matter only is are you comfortable in your own skin. Size, weight, clothing style, hair style, facial hair or not and the type, if your comfie and others are not too bad for them. Live life for yourself and other like minded people will gravitate towards you.

i so totally agree doyourowndishes

(gosh i think all my replies have been "i agree")

Amen. As stated in other topics. That is what the original Bear Movement was about. Be happy with yourself. Selfconfidence shows and it makes you that much more attractive.

trust me biggles, all the times my mum and sister has told me that i should be fashionable just because im gay drives me nuts, it a family thing

Being yourself is ok. And following your heart isn't that bad... unless your heart is telling you to do something like kill, rape, steal, lie, and so forth. Out of the heart comes wicked thoughts and ideas. Many have "followed their heart" down the road of destruction, without even realizing it.

Just thought I'd add a bit of a different perspective to the discussion.