Let me introduce myself. I am 15 years old, and attend my local high school. I was always raised in an okay household. Except for the fact my father is homophobic. Remember that, it will play a part in my story.
I was born a female. But ever since I was young, I knew I didn't feel that way. I also knew I was gay. In grade 7 I tried to come out to my mom, but she told me it was only a phase and that it would pass. But 3 years later, I'm just as gay.
Last summer, I made a suicide attempt. That same day, I re-came out to my mom; at least about being gay. I don't think I'm quite ready to tell about my gender unsurety. A few months later, I came out to my dad… Remember, he is homophobic. He wouldn't look at me. He still won't, and it's been almost a year. He constantly makes derogatory "jokes".
I then, came out to my friends. A lot of them said they already knew. But that didn't stop them from telling the world. I was quickly labeled as the "faggot" of the school. Nothing hurts more than the breakdown you have after being tripped down the stairs.
This is how it feels to be a queer teenager. You feel alone. You feel like no one understands your struggle. You feel like you can't be accepted. You feel afraid to accept yourself. You feel like everyone tells you it's only a phase. You feel pathetic. You feel like you'd just be better off dead.
Well I'm going to tell you something. You are not any of those things. Neither am I. So many people go through what you're going through. And it's okay to struggle. But you have to remember that everything will get better. I know it doesn't seem like there is a light to the end of this tunnel, but I swear there is. I don't know for certain, because my future still looks dark. Yes our futures might look dark, but that doesn't have to stop you. So what if you're lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, pansexual, transgender, genderfluid, androgynous, anything! The way you identify does NOT affect you as a character.
If you or anyone you know is thinking about harming themselves or committing suicide, please call 1-800-273-8255
If you or anyone you know is struggling with LGBTQ+ please contact 1-866-488-7386
Or visit thetrevorproject.org
I do not want anyone to feel alone. Pass on this article if you know it could be beneficial to anyone you know.
Perhaps it could save someone.