Two-and-a-half years ago, I realized I am attracted to girls. A lot of depression, anxiety, self-hatred, and denial surrounded me for the first year. I continued to suppress my attraction toward girls because I didn’t want to see the truth. I hadn’t grown up in a family where being gay was wrong, it just wasn’t really talked about often. I didn’t want to be abnormal. I felt there was something seriously wrong with me.
I eventually went face-first into my first love--my first girlfriend. Everything changed. I was happy and so lucky to have such an amazing woman in my life. She helped me understand that love is love. She took me and loved me for all that I was. No relationship had ever done that for me. She held my hand through all of my realizations and emotional breakdowns. I loved her with everything I had, and she made me want to come out to more of my family. She made me proud to be with her, proud to be gay.
I realized it was okay to be gay and to be myself.
Coming out has been one of the healthiest things I have ever done. It has been so freeing and I have realized just how much support I have. Even though being open about my sexuality isn’t always easy, the relief I have felt afterward is positively overwhelming.
I am so happy my parents know, and have accepted, that I am gay. It has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. I love knowing that they are there to support me and will try their best to accept my future girlfriend or wife.
My friends have been great through my self-discovery process as well. Any time I have an issue or need advice, they are always there to help me. All of them accepted my sexuality right as I told them, which was a wonderful feeling.
In my opinion, coming out has helped me realize who I am. With other’s acceptance, I started to accept myself. Additionally, I am finally able to be my authentic self. It is makes me sad to think some people who come into my life may not accept my sexuality. I have come to accept that if they don’t like me as I am they don’t belong in my life anyhow. I am a very open person when it comes to sharing things about myself. I finally don’t have to hide behind a “straight” label. Everyone who is important to me already knows that I am gay. They still love me. They still care about me. They are all I really need.
I would like to take this time to thank those who have stayed by my side. I know it hasn’t always been easy, but I appreciate having you in my life. Your support is what has kept me going even when I was questioning everything. You’ve helped me with my self-acceptance and understanding what it’s like to have truly loyal people in my life. I will forever be grateful to have such amazing family and friends. Thank you for making my coming out experience a lot less painful and terrifying than other LGBTQ individuals have unfortunately had to face. I can finally be myself, and that is something I pride myself on.
