Proud To Be Me

Your sexuality makes no difference in your capabilities. This is something that would have been very valuable for my 13 year old self to know. Maybe some of you haven’t picked up on this yet, but I am gay. Unfortunately for those like me that are part of the LGBTQ+ community, the attraction we have toward others or the love we have for someone can easily inflict discrimination against us no matter our race, gender, beliefs, or if we are kind to others or even rude.

Before I came out I thought I wasn’t as capable as other people because of my sexuality. That thought was influenced by stereotypes and homophobic language used by people around me when I was younger. I thought I would struggle to get a job, to make friends, and get along with my family.

I have been completely open about my sexuality for the last four years now. Through out my two years in 7th & 8th grade I was extremely depressed, I was terrified to be open about myself, and I only saw negativity in my life. When I started my freshman year of High School I decided that I wasn’t going to hide anything about myself. I didn’t want to feel guilty or ashamed or even scared to just be Me.

So I came out to everyone I knew. It wasn’t easy, but with the majority of people who accepted me for who I am, I slowly gained little ounces of confidence. Even some pride. I share these things about myself in hopes that other people will feel comfortable enough to be themselves in public, with family, friends, & online. I want you, the reader to find the insecurities in yourself & the things you hold back to open up about them. You are who you are & there is nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to that!

This doesn’t just go for the people in the LGBTQ+ community. This is directed toward everyone. No one should dislike part of themselves. No one should hide their true self. Life is too short to not live Optimistically, Confidently, & Freely!