Pride

Today, October 20th, has been the Gay Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation spirit day. In remembrance of the many teens who were pushed to suicide after being bullied for their sexuality, and to stand up against bullying all together we wear purple. Purple is the color of spirit and it doesn't matter if you're gay or not, it should have been worn to fight against the mistreatment of humans.

Last week, October 11th, was National Coming Out Day; a day of honesty and pride. If you're gay and in the closet, you have the support and are encouraged to come out to your loved ones. On this day you are free to be yourself, and you should let people know who you are. If you already are openly-gay, it is a day to remind those in your life the importance of their support and you being who you are.

This month is LGBT awareness month, everyday an openly gay celebrity has been honored. Their success in the spot light, the celebrities influence and encourage those of the LGBT community to be themselves, never give up, and that they too can be successful, out, and proud. This month is one for pride and support.

All of these things are extremely important to me; I believe in complete and total equality. In fact, these things directly affect me, I'm bi. Team B. Although I'm sort of freshly out, I've known for a while. I've never been bullied, or lost a friend because of my sexuality. I hope that stays the same and that I continue to get the support from loved ones. This week I accidentally outed myself to my parents. And I have been nothing but terrified to speak to them, making every effort to avoid them. But I can't do that forever.. And after several long conversations with a wise friend, I know what to do. I can't just hide from the world, I have to take a stand, I owe it to everybody including myself. Despite my family's views and beliefs that have never supported the homo lifestyle, this is who I am and the have to learn to accept it. I won't apologize for being me. I'm about to go have a talk with my mother, for the first time since she found out. I'm going into this level-headed and prepared on what I'm going to say. And my hopes are that, with time because time is key, she will see things from a new point of view and support me.

So, this is for everybody who has ever been afraid of being themselves. Anybody who has been disapproved of. I want to encourage you to live life YOUR way, and the world just has to get over it. It's a difficult talk to have with your disapproving parent, it a lot of worrying when trying to find the perfect words to say, and it will all take time. Time is meant for mending, just stay strong and be proud. There's nothing wrong with me, and there's absolutely NOTHING wrong with you, my friend. Wish me Luck, and good luck to you!

"Everyone please go forth and love who you love, lust who you lust. Life is too short for anything else" -Allison Weiss