I Stay Strong

When I was 14, I made the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make. I knew I had to come out to my family and friends. I developed the courage one night during dinner to tell my Grandparents (they were my guardians at the time) and I thought they would accept me or at least come around. But, after they heard the words – “I’m Gay” – our dinner immediately turned into a fight and they ultimately kicked me out.

I had to go to a children’s shelter, where I stayed for 5 months, until I got sent to a place that only took you if you had done something wrong. I hadn’t done anything wrong. I was doing the right thing by being honest about who I am. Now, I’m 20 years old and life couldn’t be better. I have made so many friends and I recently reunited with my mother who loves me and accepts me for who I am. My life was so hard and there were so many nights that I thought about killing myself but now I’m an adult who has learned so much from my experiences.