Coming Out Story!

Back in 2012 around this time, I decided to make a very brave decision to openly admit to my parents that I was attracted to boys. Over the years prior to this I knew I was attracted to the same sex, but I was too anxious to tell anyone due to teasing and bullying throughout school and even in college. The constant remarks and comments made were so annoying because I am who I am, and people kept telling 'we always knew anyway'. But that does not give people the right to push me to come out and it was due to this is why I waited until I was eighteen to tell my parents the truth. Everyone has their own struggles and problems each and every day and it can be extremely difficult hiding such a huge part of who I was. Most of my close friends knew the truth and of course I am extremely grateful for the amazing support they gave me throughout different situations. Having such lovely friends to talk to when I was struggling just showed me how much I loved them for accepting me for who I was. One of the nicest things my best friends did for me was they helped to try figure out the best way to tell my parents the truth about me.

One of the main reasons I choose this particular time to come out was I met a very lovely and funny boy who I randomly met at a party in November. We started dating but I was keeping hidden from my parents, which I felt was wrong. He was very supportive of my decision and even told me he didn't mind keeping it a secret, but this gives me strength to finally admit it. I sat them down and explained the situation that I was dating a boy and of course it was upsetting and emotional for us all. I was very anxious and upset about how they would react to this because It is a very difficult thing to tell someone. My parents took time to adjust to my sexuality. My mom still tells me know she always had a feeling anyway, which make me laugh in a way. Over the months they gave me amazing support and I love them every day for accepting me for who I was. My siblings and family were also very supportive to me which I am extremely happy about because sometimes I was worried they wouldn't accept me.

Over these past years I became more and more open with who I am. I started in 2012, only telling my close friends and friends about my sexuality and I kept my relationship to myself.  After a few months I become more confident and happy with my boyfriend. I finally admitted I had a boyfriend to those who made comments at college, I told other friends about this relationship and everyone was very sweet and happy for me. Of course, some people always knew I liked boys and they were glad I finally admitted to them which was a relief. Some days I wish I didn't worry as much about what people thought of me because I shouldn't care, But dealing with anxiety I will always have those days where I will struggle about what people think about me. I experience having a first boyfriend who I did fall in love with. My parents were nothing but nice to him throughout my relationship. Even when the relationship ended I was happy that I had this relationship because I became a stronger and more positive person where I met some great friends who were introduced through him.

Over the years I can openly admit to people about my sexuality without the worries about what they think about me. I have shared strong beliefs and opinions, especially studying Religion and Philosophy in regards about recent events from Same sex marriage laws, the homophobia in Russia and many more posts on Facebook. To me personally Love is Love and everyone is entitled to love who they want to love. We live in a judgmental society where people are scared and sometimes ashamed of who they are because they are so worried and upset to tell someone the truth.

Due to this it can have consequences such as bullying, harassment and abuse which sometimes can lead to Suicide, Depression and other personal issues. But there is so much support available to help those who need help from  Coming out Support to the It Gets Better Project  who try make the situation easier for the LGBT community. The Internet is a fantastic place to help everyone who need help or just need someone to talk to. There is so much positivity to help with the negativity people suffer with

So I felt so special and positive to attend York Pride this summer been surrounded by such lively and lovely people who wanted to celebrate who they are. I walked in the parade and felt the pride of my sexuality where I felt like I could be myself, It was an amazing experience for me personally as it was my first experience within the LGBT community apart from Darlington Pride in 2013 which was a night out full of music,dancing and drinking.

Without my fantastic friends and my wonderful family over these years I wouldn't be the person I am today, so I am so thankful for everything they have done for me! I have grown as a person, I have become stronger through my struggles such as my anxiety. I have experienced different emotions and memories over these past two years. I have met some lovely people at university who have also accepted me for who I am, still spend time surrounding by people I love and I am looking to the future where I will create new memories.

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Here is just a few snaps of the supportive people in my life and apologies if I missed anyone because I am grateful to every single person who is in my life. :)

Thank you for reading this very personal blog post