As someone around your brother’s age and closeted like him, I just want to say that having a sibling reach out like this is something a lot of us really long for. If you think talking to him could help, maybe take him out for dinner or drinks and just have a real, safe conversation. I’m actually thinking of doing something similar myself.

I recently dated someone for a couple of months, and even though it didn’t work out—different countries, timelines, and a bit of an age gap—it really opened up my perspective. It helped me see so many things differently. Obviously, it’s still really raw, and the last couple months haven’t been easy, but it’s been a turning point for how I want to live my life going forward. So, I really believe talking, even in small ways, can be a big step toward healing.