Ok friends, I'm going to let you in on a little secret, the number one hardest thing that comes with being gay is having come out nearly every single day.
I've come to realize that, in the mindset of the general public, everyone is straight until proven otherwise. Also, there is never a "perfect" time to tell someone that you are gay. And, even when the opportunity comes up, it can be hard to find the right words, something more eloquent than "I'm gay."
Your heart starts to beat faster, adrenaline rushes through your body, breathing becomes shallow, your skin flushes red. It's obvious you're nervous, or obvious to you, at least. Good thing the other person can't sense your fear. And it is, most certainly, fear. Fear of rejection. Fear of hatred. Fear of judgment. Fear for being who you are.
Depending on your relationship with a someone, you might never tell them that you are gay. You might let the fear of the unknown keep you from revealing your true self, and that's OK. Not everyone needs to know. However, maybe after they keep trying to set you up with their friend or sibling, then you might decide to tell them that you aren't actually interested in that gender at all, and that's OK too.
That fear never goes away. You will always meet new people. They will almost always assume you are straight, because of course, that's the "norm." The topic of relationships will most likely come up. No matter where you are in life, or how many people you've told, there will always be someone new, someone who doesn't know, and you have to come out of the closet for someone else. Again.
For those people out there who are straight, try not to assume someone's sexuality. Also, don't be offended when you find out way after meeting and being friends with someone that they didn't tell you they were gay. It isn't always easy or always safe to come out.
For those people out there who are gay, don't let the fear overcome you. I've met a lot of understanding people out there. That being said, don't feel the need to tell everyone. It's your own personal business who you tell. It is a privilege, not an undeniable right, no matter who it is.
Coming out is never easy, at least not always. Just know that for all the LGBT people out there, you aren't alone. Never be ashamed of your feelings. Never be ashamed of yourself.
