What can I do if important people in my life don't respect my identity or my decisions?

Honestly if those important people in your life do not respect you or your decisions it's as good as they do not see your importance. One day you will not be even seen as someone credible for opinions or decision making. Whoever is making you feel that way, talk to them. Allow them to understand what are your thoughts better than keeping everything inside and expect people to read your heart and soul. Communicate with them. Hope this helps.

What do you mean by your identity? Evetually if you mean enough for those people. They will come to learn to accept whatever the decision you have made.

thanks