Dear Dominic,
The letter you're about to read comes from yourself, though, the writer is a version of you which you haven't always liked. This is what some might call the "Straight You." The version of Dominic you presented to people for the last 19 years. The version of you where people don't know you're bi. I'm writing this to ask you about something that's been bothering me.
We live in a time where people like us can finally be their true selves, or at least get closer to doing so, as they serve in the military. We live in a time where, nationwide, we can finally marry the one we love regardless of their gender. We live in a time where allies are a real and public portion of the people around us that are willing to help us on a daily basis.
If you had to pick a time to be in this community throughout human history, this would easily be the prime slot. So, why don't we feel safe? Why don't we feel secure in our position in the world and why do we still feel like we need to work within boundaries and safety procedures when we walk out the door into the world?
I've thought about this for a long time, believe me, and I think I finally get it. We don't feel safe because those laws don't mean anything when it comes to the people around us. Those laws don't change that a good chunk of people in this country either think you're a topic to make fun of, an evil force or simply a gross individual that they should avoid unless they want to "catch the gayness."
The sad fact is that, no matter what laws pass to give you the opportunities you deserve as an American, people will still hold their ignorance. To solve that, you'll have to go down a long path of educating and facing people who want nothing to do with you. Maybe one day that path will present itself. Though today it's not so clear.
You should be nervous. You don't live in a world that truly wants you yet. However I have to present some advice to you. Maybe, just maybe, there's hope for you.
Every day people are born into the new world where the LGBTQ community is given a chance. Everyday more people are born into a nation that allows same-sex marriage, allows outed soldiers to continue to serve and a nation that looks at you as more than who you happen to find attractive.
So, stay strong, Dominic. You've survived a strange life. A life where sometimes you've been your own obstacle. A life where often the world provides you with its own. You don't feel secure now, and that's probably justified. The world isn't what it should be yet.
One day though, one day people will put aside the ridiculous norms they cling on to and the things you feel will be just another path. Take your time, everyone else certainly is.
See you around,
Dominic Jose Bisogno
