I get judged in public and I'm okay with that, and you should be too.

Over the past two years since I came out to the world as a homosexual male, I think one of the hardest parts of coming out was the judgment from family, friends, and individuals I didn't even know.

Why do I care?

Honestly, I have no idea. I get a stomach ache if I think someone has given me a dirty look. It could be from the outfit I'm wearing, my voice or if I'm showing affection. Who knows.

How did I overcome?

To this day, I still struggle with this part, but I've found ways to cope. I see myself in the mirror every day and say to myself, “You are beautiful, you are worthy, and you are loved." This little phrase heightens my self-worth and reminds me that I am enough and no one can tell me any different.

One of the hardest parts about coming out was coming out to my family. My parents are very religious and still, to this day do not accept my choice of “lifestyle".

Another one of the hardest parts was when my church found out. My own Youth Pastor and team outed me to the whole group and had a type of “intervention" about my "grave sin".

How did I overcome?

When entering college I wanted to find a church that would accept me. I attended North Point and finally found a church that treated me as one.

I then said to myself I am loved. I do think God loves me and I will go to Heaven as Jesus forgives his followers' sins - no matter how big or small, they are all equal to him.

The hardest part about being a gay male is the public scrutiny you receive, how you choose to handle it, and how you overcome it.