05-10-2014, 01:01 PM
I've been reading a lot of posts from people my age and older who are hesitant about coming out. It makes me wonder if the longer you wait, the harder it is. I came out to everyone when I was 15. I was, basically, a defiant brat with no real concern for anyone's feelings but my own. My attitude was, I'm not ashamed and I'm not hiding.
My father spent two years trying to "fix" me, and then, on my 17th birthday, told me I either had to "get over" being gay or leave his home. So I left.
It meant working full time during my last year of high school while still keeping my grades up enough to get college scholarships. Going from an affluent home to learning the hard way that groceries are more vital than concert tickets.
My parents haven't spoken to me in 3 years and I'm not allowed to see my younger brothers because, as we all know, gay is contagious. I have an amazing older sister and an uncle who have supported me every step of the way.
I really feel that no matter how difficult and traumatic coming out can be, living a lie has to be worse. As hard as it's been, I wouldn't go back and change what I did. I probably could have handled it a lot better at the time, but the fact remains that I'm comfortable with myself and who I am. It was worth it.
My father spent two years trying to "fix" me, and then, on my 17th birthday, told me I either had to "get over" being gay or leave his home. So I left.
It meant working full time during my last year of high school while still keeping my grades up enough to get college scholarships. Going from an affluent home to learning the hard way that groceries are more vital than concert tickets.
My parents haven't spoken to me in 3 years and I'm not allowed to see my younger brothers because, as we all know, gay is contagious. I have an amazing older sister and an uncle who have supported me every step of the way.
I really feel that no matter how difficult and traumatic coming out can be, living a lie has to be worse. As hard as it's been, I wouldn't go back and change what I did. I probably could have handled it a lot better at the time, but the fact remains that I'm comfortable with myself and who I am. It was worth it.