Last Saturday, one of my roommates and I attended a pride parade in Nashville, Tennessee. This was the first time either of us attended anything related to pride. Anyone who has ever met me knows that I'm a pretty big supporter of civil rights, from LGBTQ+ rights to immigration. Civil rights are a huge issue for me.
For years, I wasn't really sure why LGBTQ+ issues were so important to me. Sure, I was always supportive of loving whoever you want. But there was always something deeper to it than just that.
It hit me pretty early on in high school just WHY it was so important to me: It's because I am bisexual.
This is not something that many people know, but it's not because I'm afraid of telling them. I never really viewed it as a big deal. If someone were to ask, I'd tell them. I never really thought of "coming out" or worried about my friends and family turning their backs on me.
But it's not like that for everyone. I have very supportive friends and an even more supportive family. And a lot of them are going to find out through this article. But for many people in the LGBTQ+ community, rejection is a real fear.
I am lucky to have an immediate family that doesn't view my sexuality as a sin. I'm lucky to have friends that won't stop being my friend because of it. And if you are reading this right now and cannot relate, then I hope that you can find a way to reach out to me. I will be the family or the friend that you need for support.
I am bisexual. I've kissed boys, and I've kissed girls. I will love who I love, and I am no different on the inside because of this.
I will still be me. I am the same me that grew up in church, I am the same me who loves to help people and I am the same me that will not hesitate when someone needs support. I am no different than I was a few minutes ago, right before you read this.
If you have a loved one that has come out, they're the same way. They're the same person on the inside that you've always known. No matter who they love. This was not their choice, no matter what you may believe.
You can call us sinners, and you can tell us we are going to Hell. You can choose to be a part of our lives, or you can chose to leave. You can spout scripture, you can call us names. But none of that will change who we were born to love. None of it will change who we are.
My brothers, sisters, queens, kings and people in the LGBTQ+ were born different than you. And that's OK.
We will continue to love who we love. We will continue to fight for our right to love who we love. And no matter how many times we are knocked down, we will stand up twice as much.
If you are in a position where you feel like you cannot be who you are, express love for who you love or pull support from friends and family, there are people out there who will give you exactly what you need. If you are afraid, remember this.
My friends and family are outrageously supportive, and if you need that, you're welcome to become a part of our lives. You can find me on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram — really any social media. Reach out, and we will love you.
I am bisexual. I am still me. I love who I love. And that's OK.
