It Gets Better Project
Life isn’t always easy. There are many peaks and valleys, and when you grow up gay, those peaks and valleys can be greater. In a new small town, grade-school and high school weren’t always easy for me. I was probably around eight years old when I realized I was different, but didn’t realize I was gay until I was in seventh grade. Growing up in a small town, there was no one around that was like me. It was difficult to hide the anger and frustration I had, as I had decided to not tell anyone I was gay. When I was in high school it didn’t get any better. I dated girls just to look normal around my friends, even though it made me miserable. I loved things like design and theater, I joined the yearbook club, and pursued my art. I hung around every single type of group, floating through them all hoping to meet another person like myself. My high-school was very small and I was unsuccessful. I was surprised no one figured me out. I hid it well. Leaving high school a tortured soul, I decided to go to college for art.
Now here is the kicker: My best friend who I met on the first day of high school never knew I was gay. It wasn’t until we were 19 and hanging out at his apartment one night getting ready to go out that I felt comfortable enough to tell him I was gay. He was really cool about it and told me he was bisexual. Weird and awesome all at the same time. We kissed that night. It was really awkward, kissing your best friend.
For the first time in my life I had someone to talk to about my sexuality. I was able to share my story, have a voice, express myself. He has been super supportive with me along the way. Even though I had a rough time growing up with my sexuality and expressing myself I can truly say it does get better. You will move on from the situation you are in now and can find a place where you can be happy and love everything about your life! Trust me, your crappy situation now isn’t always going to be your current situation.
I love this story from Dan and Terry:
Growing up things were stacked against them, being raised in very religious families with parents who do not accept homosexuality. And now they have found each other and have a beautiful family together with their son. Their life is filled with love and acceptance from their family. Such a beautiful and touching story.
It Gets Better Project is a non profit reaching six continents providing hope and inspiring change for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth, one story at a time. Find out more here: http://www.itgetsbetter.org/
Check out how Doritos teamed up with the It Gets Better Project:
