During high school, many students, some of whom I had never before met, thanked me for giving them the courage to come out and showing them that it was possible to persevere. Now that I’m out of high school and looking back, I’m glad I came out when I did. It helped me see the world a little differently and made my skin a little thicker. And, I can only hope that it has helped my friends, family, school and community become a little more tolerant and aware. When I was 14 years old, I came out to my family and friends. My decision came from a desire not to hide part of my life, and an awareness that if I didn’t do it soon, I never would.Īt the time, I was writing a report for school, with gay adoption as the subject. After my brother stated his position against it on our ride home from the library, I decided to talk with my mom. She told me that she would love me, even if I was gay. I had to try my hardest not to cry, and I forced myself to bite my tongue until I could think more about that statement.
