In the world today, there are a lot of things about a person that have become more and more socially acceptable. Coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender is a huge step for anyone who has been a closeted member of the LGBT community. Many members of this community are afraid to come out due to fear of judgement from family and friends. I should know, I was one of them.
Growing up, I knew I was different than any of the members of my family and any of my friends. I didn't know why I was different and when I was in middle school, It finally started to make sense to me. Having being a member of an old school Catholic family, I knew that if I had told my family about who I really was, I would be the black sheep of the family. I was so worried that my parents would disown me because I was going against the way I was raised. It took me years to build up the confidence to tell my best friend in high school, let alone my family.
Almost ten years after the fact, I finally told my family that I was bisexual. My cousins were thrilled when they found out and they were so accepting of who I really was. Although the conversations with my family were short and simple, I knew that my family understood and accepted me for me. By the time I had left home to go back to college for the end of my junior year, I was so happy. Happy that I was finally free and I didn't have to hide any part of me anymore.
Now that I have been free for a little over six months, it has truly been amazing. I don't have to hide who I am dating or who I want to be with because of fear of judgement from others. Before coming out, I had gotten advice from some of my fellow LGBT members. I had asked if I even should come out and if I did, what to say and how to go about it. I was terrified to tell my parents because I had no idea what their reaction, or anybody else's, would be.
Looking back on it, I am happy of my decision. These past six months have been the happiest I have been in a very long time. I have so many more friends who are a part of this community and being able to connect with them and share my story with them has truly been amazing. I am so thankful for my friends and family for accepting me and all of me. There are certain people who I especially want to thank for being there for me through this and have stuck by my side through it all. To those people, you know who you are.
If you are someone who is in the closet because of the same fears I had, don't let them get to you. If your friends and family love you, they love every part of you. Don't let these fears get in the way of being happy and free, and of being yourself. There is nothing more beautiful than being who you are.
