Dear LGBT Youth,
Being young and questioning your sexuality can be hard. It's even harder if you are from a small town where there is nobody else like you. Growing up is never easy, but being around people who may not be there for you after you come out makes it even harder. It is okay to be afraid, I was and sometimes still am. Just know that you are not alone and there are others who are facing the same problems that you are. Never be afraid to be yourself, even if that means having others judge you. Know that wherever you are, there will be people who support and love you even if you don't realize it.
Please never think you should take your life. You aren't guilty of anything. You are most certainly not a burden. There is nothing wrong with you. People will say awful things to you and sometimes these people will be those who you thought loved you. Understand that for every ounce of hate that somebody throws your way, there is love coming from somebody else. No matter what people say, you are loved.
Remember; who you choose to love and who you want to be should be your choice. Do not let somebody else tell you how live. Never feel like you are obligated to have some large coming out, you don't have to even come out if you are comfortable with the way you are and are happy with your life. There are no rules to how your story starts. You make up the rules as you go and you work with what you are comfortable with. Do what makes you the happiest. In the end what really matters isn't how people view you, it is how happy you are with yourself.
The best part about people is that they can be a temporary influence in your life. You can choose who you surround yourself with. Try as hard as possible to surround yourself with those who understand and respect you. Your mental health is so important. Don't let people who don't care about you into your circle and keep fighting. You are so loved and so important. Never be afraid to be yourself, even if the world tries to stop you.
Never give up.
