Within your group of friends, there's always something that sets you apart and makes you unique. It could be where you're from, your taste in music, or what subject you're majoring in. For me, it's my sexuality. I'm one of the only straight people in my close group of friends. After telling my parents and friends back home about this tidbit of information, they all laughed and thought I was crazy for doing such a thing. But after explaining my situation, they all understood why my experience at school was so great due to these wonderful people.

The time in which I moved into my freshman dorm wasn't the first time that I have met or befriended people of the LGBTQ+ community. I have known and had friends in high school that are gay or bisexual and am still friends with them to this day. However, the group of people I have met since entering college have been very different from the friends I have back home. All reasons being in the best way possible.

For one, it's really cool hearing about their current status with how open they are with their sexualities. All of my friends have no issue with telling me about their coming out stories, struggles they've had, or just sharing information about their lives. Along with their personal stories, they're also very willing to answer any questions that I may have about LGBTQ+ communities.

I feel like having this very open and trusting relationship allows me to learn more about the community so that I'm more aware of what's going on. I now also have the capability to educate others in case they have the same questions I once had. But just like I have questions for them, they have questions for me about my sexuality and the culture that comes with it.

Another thing people ask me about is my acceptance amongst the group or concerns about me feeling like I fit in. I can guarantee that I feel nothing but mad love and inclusiveness from every single one of my friends; regardless of their sexuality.

Of course, there are some stories in which I cannot relate to for obvious reasons but overall there isn't a time where I can recall feeling left out in any way. My friends embrace me for who I am, are there for me if I need help, and make me laugh like no one else can. When the crew gets together, you are guaranteed a night with absolutely no dull moments.

To wrap things up, it's kinda cool being the minority for once in my life. I have loved being surrounded by people who have had very different experiences growing up as well as very different perspectives on life. This has allowed me to become a more cultured person because my small hometown did not have this much diversity.

I feel like everyone should have friends like mine; people who are so very different from yourself. Surrounding yourself with people who are likeminded and have had the same experiences you have had will never help you grow as an individual. Especially in today's day and age, diversity is everywhere.

With that being said, I challenge you to branch out and interact with people who you may not usually see yourself talking to. I challenge you because if I hadn’t challenged myself, my life would be very dull and that’s something I can’t imagine with my gays by my side.