You are courageous! You are AWESOME ! You’re not wasting anyone’s time, you deserve to be heard, and your stutter doesn’t make you any less smart, worthy, or respected. The people laughing are showing their ignorance, not your value, and it’s okay that it hurts because you’re human. You’re not alone in this, and I’m glad you spoke up, you deserve friends and family who treat you with kindness and respect. I keep repeating it on my podcast and YouTube channel that people who stutter are COURAGEOUS, CREATIVE, and RESOURCEFUL! Search online for local groups near you and keep moving forward. There are some amazing organizations such as: 1. Say.org 2. National Stuttering Association 3. The Stuttering Foundation – free/low-cost resources, videos, and referrals 4. FRIENDS: The National Association of Young People Who Stutter – focused on kids/teens and families 5. British Stammering Association (STAMMA) – U.K. advocacy and support (they use “stammering”) 6. International Stuttering Association (ISA) – global umbrella org linking national groups worldwide European League of Stuttering Associations (ELSA) – network of European stuttering associations 7. Canadian Stuttering Association (CSA) – support and education across Canada 8. Speak Easy International – worldwide network of peer-led stuttering support groups Keep reaching out ! You got this!