A week ago today, on my 24th birthday, I decided to take the biggest, scariest step in my life (until this next step) and come out as gay to my family, and today, I come out as gay to all of you, and the rest of myself. It has been an overwhelming secret struggle just getting to 24. Despite my outgoing demeanor, and my happy-go-lucky personality, my teenage years were spent fighting a hidden war inside of me. Growing up in a small town that lacks any type of diversity, I grew up alone, afraid of myself, afraid of others knowing that I was gay. There were some that I grew up with who tormented me, using gay and faggot as if it meant the worst possible thing someone could be insulted as. For years, I was bullied by them for not submitting to the small town social norms, for years I was bullied for appearing and acting different in their eyes, and for years I let that eat me up inside. This past week has been incredibly challenging, coming out to my family and slowly to some of my closest friends. But, as challenging as it has been, it has been incredibly uplifting, finding out just how loved and supported I am by those that I have surrounded myself all these years. Their incredible support and encouragement has led me to this point, and as scary as this moment is, the weight of 24 years of struggles and inner demons has been lifted, and I feel like I can finally be myself. For my entire life, I have denied myself living as who I am. And as it became increasingly difficult to lie to others, and more importantly, lie to myself, I knew that this could not, and would not, last forever. I want to live a life fulfilled. A life of truth. A life of freedom. And being a proud gay man is how I intend on doing so. Thank you for the love and support.
Posted on: Sun, 20 Jul 2014 14:55:16 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015