Questionnaire

When did you know you were gay?

I assumed it when I was 15, but I had been fooling around with other boys since I was 13.


What did you feel upon knowing?

I was like "Damn, Fred... you already suck, you don't need to be gay on top of that..."


What compelled you to come out?

I just had to. I was tired of hiding... I wanted to be free, I wanted (and still want) to be an activist for LGBT rights.


When did you decide to come out?

About six hours before I did. lol.


Who are you out to?

I'm out to everyone but my father's side of the family (they're very "traditional", that is homophobic). My father doesn't want to know even though it's quite evident that I like guys.


How difficult was it to come out?

It was very difficult. I thought people would ostracize me, or that my mother would kick me out. She didn't but she didn't take it too well either.


How old were you when you came out?

I was 16. I came out to the first person on April 19, 2006.


How was the majority's reaction upon telling them?

They took it well. Thankfully. There were ups and downs though... mom didn't take it too well and a friend of mine still tries to make me look at girls.


Are you glad you came out?

Yes. I'd have killed myself, had I not. I hate hiding.


If approached by someone you presumed was homophobic and they asked if you were gay, truthfully, what would be the answer?

"Indeed, so what?"


Do you think homosexuality is nature or nurture?

I think that it's a combination of both.


How did you learn to accept yourself if you had difficulties doing so?

I had trouble, yeah. Time helped me... it took me over two years.


Have you ever self harmed?

Yes, I have.


Have you ever felt in over your head due to being gay?

Yes.


Have you ever felt penalised for being gay?

Indeed, although it has always been somewhat secondary.


Do you think there is enough support for the LGBT youth community?

Not in Uruguay. GSAs are unheard of, school counseling is nonexistent, etc. On the other hand, religion has little weight in the society, so while homophobia exists and is significant, there isn't organized widespread opposition to LGBT rights fueled by preachers.


If something could be done to help you, what would you want it to be?

I don't know. I'd like to get out of here...

 

When did you know you were gay?
Thirteen years old.

What did you feel upon knowing?
There wasn't really one moment of knowing, it was a sort of gradual realisation. I wasn't scared, because it was just the way it is. I had no choice over it, and it wasn't a truly bad thing, just different. So I had no emotion about the fact. Why would I feel different about being me?

What compelled you to come out?
I was sick to death of living a lie.

When did you decide to come out?
Christmas of 2005. I started emailing people, and some people got told face to face. It really depends on how I thought they'd react.

Who are you out to?
Everyone but Dad. He's nice but sometimes volatile. I might tell him the day before my graduation results so he's got a distraction straight afterwards to take his mind off it.

How difficult was it to come out?
It was hard. I realised, though, that if I didn't think about it before I did it, it was much easier.

How old were you when you came out?
First person, 14. Most people, between 17 & 19.

How was the majority's reaction upon telling them?
"You serious? Wow, wouldn't have guessed..."

Are you glad you came out?
Yes. I don't want to lie to myself and to others any more.

If approached by someone you presumed was homophobic and they asked if you were gay, truthfully, what would be the answer?
I'd probably ignore them. I don't associate with people who're confrontational like that. And you, Michael, being from Middlesbrough too, would probably understand as well as me that someone being that in-your-face around here means you're gonna get punched.

Do you think homosexuality is nature or nurture?
Neither, really. Or both. I think everyone is naturally pansexual and then preferences develop due to society's pressures.

How did you learn to accept yourself if you had difficulties doing so?
Never had any difficulties accepting my sexuality.

Have you ever self harmed?
Nope. Never saw the point really.

Have you ever felt in over your head due to being gay?
Yeah, a bit. I don't really fit in well.

Have you ever felt penalised for being gay?
Not really, no.

Do you think there is enough support for the LGBT youth community?
No. But I think that support needs to come from parents.

If something could be done to help you, what would you want it to be?
I'd just want more gay friends. It's easier to fit in when you're not really on your own with it.

I've got a good guess why you're doing this, too. xD

 

When did you know you were gay?

I started to question at age 11/12, but kind of knew I wasn't straight at maybe 16

What did you feel upon knowing?

I was scared, and afraid to come out

What compelled you to come out?

I couldn't take being in the closet anymore and denying myself

When did you decide to come out?

July, 2008 ;D

Who are you out to?

Everyone who is close to me (as in sees me daily, or knows me)

How difficult was it to come out?

VERY hard

How old were you when you came out?

17.5

How was the majority's reaction upon telling them?

Most were happy for me

Are you glad you came out?

Yes

If approached by someone you presumed was homophobic and they asked if you were gay, truthfully, what would be the answer?

I would tell them the truth

Do you think homosexuality is nature or nurture?

Mostly nature

How did you learn to accept yourself if you had difficulties doing so?

I just kind of told myself "I don't care what others think"

Have you ever self harmed?

Yes

Have you ever felt in over your head due to being gay?

Not with being gay

Have you ever felt penalised for being gay?

By the government, yes

Do you think there is enough support for the LGBT youth community?

Yes, there is plenty; it's finding it though

If something could be done to help you, what would you want it to be?

No, I'm happy with who I am

 

When did you know you were gay?

Well, if the question means when I began being honest to myself about being gay, then just very recently. Within the last few months.

If the question means when I had inklings, I would say starting around fourth grade. It had to come from a book for bookworm me: a collection of short stories about gay and lesbian youth.

What did you feel upon knowing?

Deep fear spinning around and around in my mind. Fear and confusion. And a dose of self-loathing.

What compelled you to come out?

I couldn't stand feeling utterly alone anymore. There was a time I felt like I had to tell someone very soon or... or something terrible would happen to me.

When did you decide to come out?

I first told a friend face to face in August of this year. It took me a couple of hours of fighting to finally tell her. And I couldn't even say it. I wrote it on a piece of paper.

Who are you out to?

Five of my friends in real life know explicitly. A couple of my online friends know (and EC, as well). A book club I attend and my med school's LBGTQ group knows by my occasional attendance, I suppose, though I've never said it.

How difficult was it to come out?

Like I said, the first time I told someone face to face, I trembled violently for hours. When the truth was finally out, I felt like I've cast a stone down a mountain and it will just keep rolling now, whether or not I wish it to.

How old were you when you came out?

Twenty-two.

How was the majority's reaction upon telling them?

Most said okay, and were fairly supportive. Some went out of their way to make me feel more confident in myself, and to stop me from shaking. One reacted negatively but not with hostility, and I'm still trying to deal with the emotional distress from that one.

Are you glad you came out?

Yes. I feel much less alone now. Fewer shaking and crying fits in the middle of the night.

If approached by someone you presumed was homophobic and they asked if you were gay, truthfully, what would be the answer?

I would tremble, but I would have to tell the truth. I don't like lying. Which is also part of what made me decide to slowly come out. The skulking and the hiding just adds to my confusion and distress.

Do you think homosexuality is nature or nurture?

I would say nature gives the potential, and nurture makes it blossom, like a beautiful flower.

How did you learn to accept yourself if you had difficulties doing so?

I still have difficulties from time to time. I have deep bouts and guilt and sometimes self-loathing. But other times I just love who I am and I can't imagine myself any other way. There is a seesaw motion.

Have you ever self harmed?

No, but in my deepest despair, I have considered it. There were times I wouldn't have minded if I died, but I'm not sure I'd have actually made it happen myself.

Have you ever felt in over your head due to being gay?

Yes, sort of. I have no idea what I've gotten myself into now that I'm gradually accepting who I am! My life is an unwoven tapestry, and the ends are already all frayed. :lol:

Have you ever felt penalised for being gay?

Yes. In many ways.

Do you think there is enough support for the LGBT youth community?

I don't think so. In isolated spots there is a lot of support. But I know from personal experience that for someone terrified and reaching for help, help is not always easy to find. You still gotta take four or five steps out of your comfort zone and plunge into the waters. EC definitely helps a lot though.

If something could be done to help you, what would you want it to be?

I want somebody to tell me it'll be all right, and I'll find happiness in the end. And I want to believe it.

 

When did you know you were gay?

I knew I liked girls when I was seven or wight, but didn't really connect that with the concept of being gay until I was about 12 or 13. At first I thought I was bisexual, and when I was about 16 I realised that I'm pretty much all for girls.

What did you feel upon knowing?

Sort of depressed resignation

What compelled you to come out?

I just had to tell someone. I couldn't keep it secret anymore.

When did you decide to come out?

I told a couple of friends and my sister for the first time in 2005, when I was 14 or 15, and came out to peers in late 2006 and my parents at the start of this year.

Who are you out to?

Everyone except some extended family

How difficult was it to come out?

Very tough, but thankfully, the people who mattered accepted me

How old were you when you came out?

Gradually between 14 and 17

How was the majority's reaction upon telling them?

I lost most of my friends, but my parents and sister were fine with it

Are you glad you came out?

Yes, definitely

If approached by someone you presumed was homophobic and they asked if you were gay, truthfully, what would be the answer?

I'd say yes

Do you think homosexuality is nature or nurture?

I'd say nature, it's not something that can be caused or prevented

How did you learn to accept yourself if you had difficulties doing so?

My best friend helped me hugely, and knowing that I have a loving and accepting family was the biggest help

Have you ever self harmed?

Yes , but I haven't since I was 14 or 15

Have you ever felt in over your head due to being gay?

Sort of, yes

Have you ever felt penalised for being gay?

Yes, definitely

Do you think there is enough support for the LGBT youth community?

In my area, yes, there is

If something could be done to help you, what would you want it to be?

At the moment, Im pretty much happy and comfortable

 

When did you know you were gay?

Well, it wasnt a really knowing like at one moment but when I thought of the possiblity I brush it off denying and finally it slipped into the conversation with a friend and well it made me think. I think at one point everything in my life pieced together.



What did you feel upon knowing?

I felt shock. Complete shock fill me and I felt so heavy I just crumbled to the ground shaking like a scared pup. I was afraid so much of being something that I knew people didnt really like. I also felt alone.
What compelled you to come out?

The fact that I shouldnt be hiding. I should be proud of who I am and if I dont have the right of being myself then I cant call this country free. I wanted the questions of boys and having a husband to stop somewhat because it just didnt fit me.




When did you decide to come out?

Well I was kinda dragged out to my first friend and we turned into a mission to get hooked up with a guy...didnt work out. Finally after my frist kiss with another woman I felt sure I was ready to come out to the world.


Who are you out to?

I am out to...nine friends and my parents. All friends took it well (one even had a relationship with but ended ugly). My parents dont believe me and are in denial.


How difficult was it to come out?


VERY. Horrible shaking, studdering, couldnt even say Lesbian out loud. I had to take a few deep breaths before I could say it to my school friends who are Catholic and really uptight about shit.


How old were you when you came out?

15/16 (still comming out)


How was the majority's reaction upon telling them?

Good. They accepted me and went on with life.


Are you glad you came out?

Totally. It was worth it.


If approached by someone you presumed was homophobic and they asked if you were gay, truthfully, what would be the answer?

Tell them yes while holding my head up high and looking em straight in the eye.

Do you think homosexuality is nature or nurture?

A little both. Like someone said, its there with you just nurture makes it blossom into who you are.


How did you learn to accept yourself if you had difficulties doing so?

I kept motivating myself telling myself its okay to be gay, and it was hard half of the time I wouldnt believe myself and get depressed. As I came out I went to my friends for some kind of support and most of the time they would agree.


Have you ever self harmed?

Yes I have when I was thirteen and recently when my father didnt react well with me.


Have you ever felt in over your head due to being gay?

Yeah. I would often ask myself what the hell I was doing?


Have you ever felt penalised for being gay?

Sometimes but I just felt confined to my closet.


Do you think there is enough support for the LGBT youth community?

Well for mine? I believe it needs WAY more. But in general its doing good. Rights for other minorities and such came hard too so were gunna have our ups and downs.

If something could be done to help you, what would you want it to be?
Some kind of way to know someone was gay just like you but you know I would want the thrill of figuring it out too .

 

When did you know you were gay?
Looking back, there were signs as early as seven or eight. I first learned there was a word attached around ten years old.

What did you feel upon knowing?
Holy shit, I'm even more different. I wonder what this is going to be like.

What compelled you to come out?
My mom has been the biggest influence on my personality so far, and I knew she would understand.

When did you decide to come out?
About a month ago.

Who are you out to?
My mom, her sister, probably that sister's fiance by now, and everyone online.

How difficult was it to come out?
I was very nervous and I had some difficulty coming up with an original way to do it, but I don't think it was quite as hard as it would be to come out to, say, a fundamentalist preacher.

How old were you when you came out?
Fifteen, same as now.

How was the majority's reaction upon telling them?
Both of the relatives who know had no problem with it at all. Online, I've met with mixed reactions. All but one person on my nonreligious forum were fine with it, evenly mixed on gaming forums, and I've gotten both hate and support messages on my YouTube profile.

Are you glad you came out?
For the most part, yes.

If approached by someone you presumed was homophobic and they asked if you were gay, truthfully, what would be the answer?
Probably no, depending on the specific person. Some asshole in the school hallway, of course I'm going to deny it. Someone like Anita Bryant or the WBC, I'll be waving a pride flag in their face.

Do you think homosexuality is nature or nurture?
The whole concept of nature/nurture is ridiculous to me, but I'm fairly certain that homosexuality is inborn. Nothing so far has indicated to me that a person can be "turned" gay because of how they are raised, and the presence of homosexuality in animals outside the human culture is pretty convincing.

How did you learn to accept yourself if you had difficulties doing so?
There was no lightning flash or sudden realization, just a gradual process. I spent years denying that I was gay and trying to change myself, but finally I just gave up.

Have you ever self harmed?
No, I have no desire to kill or punish myself.

Have you ever felt in over your head due to being gay?
Not really.

Have you ever felt penalised for being gay?
No, because I'm not out to anyone in positions of authority. But I do feel angry that homosexuals are denied basic rights and protection by the federal government.

Do you think there is enough support for the LGBT youth community?
There will never be enough.

If something could be done to help you, what would you want it to be?
An end to discrimination against non-straight students.

 

When did you know you were gay?
I knew that I was attrackted to bothe males and females in April of 2007. I was 13 going on 14.

What did you feel upon knowing?
I think the exact thoughts were "Huh, that explains it."

What compelled you to come out?
I had originally planned on coming out to my 8th grade teacher who I knew would except me. When that did not happen (the coming out, not the excepting), I was closeted to myself for nearly a month, re-came out to myself then became sick of hiding who I was.

When did you decide to come out?
I had orignally planned on coming out to my teacher just a few days before I would have done it. When I came out via Myspace, I decided that morning that I was not going to hide from certain of my friends any longer.

Who are you out to?
All friends. Some family, church members (Unitarian Universalist and Non-Denominational Christian churches), aquatinces and random members of the public

How difficult was it to come out?
Some people it was easy to come out to, others...not so much.

How old were you when you came out?
To myself: 13 years old
To another person: 14 years old.

How was the majority's reaction upon telling them?
"I won't judge you."

Are you glad you came out?
Yes. I could no longer hide myself. I am glad to have those who it did matter to out of my life. Dr. Suess is a very wise man.

If approached by someone you presumed was homophobic and they asked if you were gay, truthfully, what would be the answer?
The truth.
Most likely I would jump around them singing songs about being gay and waving rainbow parifinalia in their face.

Do you think homosexuality is nature or nurture?
I believe it is genetic. Like skin tone, hitch-hiker thumbs and whether or not you can do that thing with your tounge.

How did you learn to accept yourself if you had difficulties doing so?
I did not have may difficulties, but I have overcome them.

Have you ever self harmed?
Yes, but not because of my sexuality.

Have you ever felt in over your head due to being gay?
Not at all.

Have you ever felt penalised for being gay?
Once, in PE. We had a substitute so we just screwed around while playing softball. It ended up fine, because I did not want to play softball anyway.

Do you think there is enough support for the LGBT youth community?
There will never be enough.

If something could be done to help you, what would you want it to be?
To end discrimination based on sexuality in schools.

 

When did you know you were gay?
I knew I was bi when I was twelve years old.




What did you feel upon knowing?
I was slightly surprised, then I realized I was hungry so I went and made a sandwhich.

What compelled you to come out?
I didn't want to hide. I wasn't going to be trapped in a closet for my entire life. I had a family member go through that and I wasn't about to take the same path.





When did you decide to come out?
Uh, about right after I knew I was bi. I slowly told people I know I could trust.


Who are you out to?
I'm out to all of my close personal friends, my ex-boyfriend, my entire school, some people in other schools, my parents, and three teachers.



How difficult was it to come out?
Telling people individually was easy. When I came out in a speech to my English class, I found it to be difficult. I thought I would throw up.


How old were you when you came out?
I started coming out to people when I was 12 and 13. I eventually came out to my entire school at the age of 15.





How was the majority's reaction upon telling them?
They were all great about it. All of my friends support me, my mom supports me, and I've had several people (when I did a public coming out) that I barely know come up to me and tell me that I was extremely brave and that they're happy for me.


Are you glad you came out?
Extremely. I'm a lot more confident around both genders and I don't have a problem with girls touching me like I used to.


If approached by someone you presumed was homophobic and they asked if you were gay, truthfully, what would be the answer?
I would say no, I'm bi. Then ask them where they bought their shoes.


Do you think homosexuality is nature or nurture?
Nature. I grew up in a 'normal' home and I still turned out bi.



How did you learn to accept yourself if you had difficulties doing so?
I knew that I couldn't change it and that if I lived a lie, it would adversely affect my life in ways that I didn't want it to.



Have you ever self harmed?
Nope. I've never even considered it.



Have you ever felt in over your head due to being gay?
Sorta. I mean, when you first realize it, it's a little overwhelming.

Have you ever felt penalised for being gay?
Yeah, because gay marriage isn't legal. That entire 'giving gays extra rights' thing pisses me off




Do you think there is enough support for the LGBT youth community?
No. I know someone that might be gay, but is hiding in the closet due to lack of support. She probably feels like she can't come out because of the homophobia in her family. Many hugs to her (*hug*)

If something could be done to help you, what would you want it to be?
I dunno. Probably make gay marriage and adoption legal. I'm not really suffering any discrimintation right now.

 

isnt uruguay the only other country with gay marriage other than canada in north america?

 

When did you know you were gay?
12/13yrs old

What did you feel upon knowing?
Not much really just acceptance, dunno never really though about it


What compelled you to come out?
Living in the middle of nowhere with no one to talk to got me contemplating about my homosexuality.


When did you decide to come out?
3/11/2008

Who are you out to?
As of now… My best friend, people from my TopDeck tour, my two sisters and my twin sisters best friend and the director at the school I work at

How difficult was it to come out?
Well I went to an all boys private school and I think I would have been crucified if I came out then. And that really annoying pessimistic voice that goes on and on in my head made it hard. But the next few times it was considerably easier

How old were you when you came out?
18

How was the majority's reaction upon telling them?
Meh, you’re still the same person

Are you glad you came out?
Heck Yes, I can properly live my life without that burden.

If approached by someone you presumed was homophobic and they asked if you were gay, truthfully, what would be the answer?
I would say yes, no point in denying it, and if he doesn’t like it he can go get effed!

Do you think homosexuality is nature or nurture?
Nature. My dad was more involved with my life than mum and he never really fussed over me. His favourite thing to say, when I was injured/not wanting to do stuff, he would say TSWC (Tell someone who cares). Taught me how to be very stoic and independent as well.

How did you learn to accept yourself if you had difficulties doing so?
I didn’t really have any difficulties. Plus the fact that I have never dated a girl helped (I didn’t lie to myself just accepted it).

Have you ever self harmed?
Nope


Have you ever felt in over your head due to being gay?
No, I mean its just who I am. I am very open-minded and accepting

Have you ever felt penalised for being gay?
Can’t say I really have, told the director of the school I work at but he is fine with it


Do you think there is enough support for the LGBT youth community?
I have absolutely no idea. Support should come from people we trust and love.

If something could be done to help you, what would you want it to be?
Honestly I don’t think anything could have been done to help me. Its another journey for me. I am just happy with who I am.

 

When did you know you were gay?
When I was 13....I just knew.

What did you feel upon knowing?
Free to be myself. I am the same person, I'm just more honest about it in social circles, rather than hiding.

What compelled you to come out?
It was time.

When did you decide to come out?
May 2008.

Who are you out to?
I don't announce it. If asked, I'll say yes.

How difficult was it to come out?
I was nervous, but...it was all good.

How old were you when you came out?
Officially in April 2008 at the age of 18.

How was the majority's reaction upon telling them?
They were shocked...people really, unless they were my BEST friends, had no idea. Best friends sort of knew because they know me so well...But only because of how I acted when asked about relationships.

Are you glad you came out?
Yes...but I wish it wasn't such a label socially, which is why I don't parade myself.

If approached by someone you presumed was homophobic and they asked if you were gay, truthfully, what would be the answer?
"I am".

Do you think homosexuality is nature or nurture?
A little bit of both.

How did you learn to accept yourself if you had difficulties doing so?
Time and knowing that there are many happy people in my vocation who are gay who find success.

Have you ever self harmed?
No

Have you ever felt in over your head due to being gay?
Yes.

Have you ever felt penalised for being gay?
No...not yet


Do you think there is enough support for the LGBT youth community?
I feel at peace and accepted by many social equals, and at the same time I do not. You can't change people through demonstrations, instead you change them slowly but surely through education and living your life and contributing to society's benefit. This is how I choose to move forward acceptance. I am disgusted with discrimination in blood donor centers, et cetera.

If something could be done to help you, what would you want it to be?
I simply wish to be nomadic and to help the world be a better place through the theatre.

 

When did you know you were gay?
I knew when i was about 7 that something was different and then at bout 12 i knew that something was being gay.



What did you feel upon knowing?
I hated it. Just wanted to pretend like it wasnt happening and that it will soon go

What compelled you to come out?
My training as a counselling psychologist where i constantly had to reflect on my own processes and i just couldnt pretend anymore.





When did you decide to come out?
About a month ago.




Who are you out to?
Im out to all my female university friends.




How difficult was it to come out?

It was very difficult. Coulnt get the words out then saw that the other person was getting quite frightened by what i may say that i just had to say it.



How old were you when you came out?
25




How was the majority's reaction upon telling them?
They said i was brave and that i could now be happy to be me. and they were proud.



Are you glad you came out?
Yes.....it couldnt have gone on any more.


If approached by someone you presumed was homophobic and they asked if you were gay, truthfully, what would be the answer?

i would probably say no but then feel quite guilty about it.


Do you think homosexuality is nature or nurture?

I think its definitly nature.




How did you learn to accept yourself if you had difficulties doing so?

I had to face the fact that i was gay and theres nothing i could do to change it. Pretending wasnt going to make me any happier so why mess up the one life ive got.
Have you ever self harmed?




Have you ever felt in over your head due to being gay?

Yes.....i feel i dont always know the way to be because ive not experienced that. All i know is the straight way to be.



Have you ever felt penalised for being gay?

Not so far.


Do you think there is enough support for the LGBT youth community?
I think the supports out there, but it just needs to be made more accessible.


If something could be done to help you, what would you want it to be?

i would like there to be more openly gay role models.

 

When did you know you were gay?
i was about 13 when it clicked

What did you feel upon knowing?
tbh it never really bothered me too much, i had no real problem accepting it myself that i can recall

What compelled you to come out?
i have noooo idea.i told my mum & i wish i hadnt,it was just driving me nuts & thought i had to tell someone.
i didnt come out by choice at school.& now...i duno,its just no secret.just happened naturally.

When did you decide to come out?
i told my mum when i was 14
school found out at 16
by 17 i wasnt fussed who knew

Who are you out to?
everybody
anyone who asks
my mum knows though we've never discussed it properly & my stepdad must know
no other family members though - not that i know anyway

How difficult was it to come out?
quite difficult trying to tell my mum to start with
after that it was just a burning desire to do it,i didnt want to keep it a secret

How old were you when you came out?
14 but that wasnt properly
i'd say properly, out of free will & comfortably...17

How was the majority's reaction upon telling them?
i cant say ive ever sat a bunch of people down & seriously told them
mum wasnt terribly impressed the first time,she went a tad crazy
couple of people at school were immature. everyone else never really had an issue with it

Are you glad you came out?
hell yeah.to mates.

If approached by someone you presumed was homophobic and they asked if you were gay, truthfully, what would be the answer?
i'd say yes & whats your problem asshole

Do you think homosexuality is nature or nurture?
nature

How did you learn to accept yourself if you had difficulties doing so?
i think i'm just generally open minded & i started watching graham norton when i was about 10 so i was aware of that sort or lifestyle & possibility early on

Have you ever self harmed?
yeah but i wouldnt put that down to sexuality exclusively

Have you ever felt in over your head due to being gay?
yeah early on

Have you ever felt penalised for being gay?
not especially

Do you think there is enough support for the LGBT youth community?
hmmm i'll go with no.
depends on where you live.but on the whole definately not!

If something could be done to help you, what would you want it to be?
clubs & bars being more gay friendly - u tend to have to either go to an exclusively gay bar or have crappy signs saying "gay friendly" - why point that out?!shouldnt it be gay friendly without saying?!
talk about it more at school & have teachers crack down on comments like "aww thats well gay!!"

 

When did you know you were gay?
I know was bi when i was 12.




What did you feel upon knowing?
I was worried about some people knowing.


What compelled you to come out?
Well I felt like I was lieing to my friends.






When did you decide to come out?
March 08




Who are you out to?
My all close friends.




How difficult was it to come out?
No because all the people I have come out to or either gay or have gay famliy.




How old were you when you came out?
I came out when I was 13




How was the majority's reaction upon telling them?
They didnt really care.




Are you glad you came out?
Yes. I just wish I could come out to my famliy.



If approached by someone you presumed was homophobic and they asked if you were gay, truthfully, what would be the answer?
It really depends on who it is.



Do you think homosexuality is nature or nurture?
I think homosexuality is nature.

How did you learn to accept yourself if you had difficulties doing so?
I didnt really have any difficulties.



Have you ever self harmed?
yes



Have you ever felt in over your head due to being gay?
Not really. I'm kind of scared of my mom and my aunt finding out though.

Have you ever felt penalised for being gay?
No.



Do you think there is enough support for the LGBT youth community?
Not really.


If something could be done to help you, what would you want it to be?
To have an open minded mom.

 

When did you know you were gay?
I don't know, I guess middle school is when I started eying other guys.

What did you feel upon knowing?
Defeat, yet at the same time, victory. I won against myself.

What compelled you to come out?
To my brother? It was easy, he was right there, and I knew he would love me all the same.

When did you decide to come out?
Night after Christmas (or wee hours of the morning before, I forgot). He was playing Call of Duty, I was chatting with friends. I told them that I wanted to come out, and that my brother was right there. They told me, "Do it."

Who are you out to?
Just the brother.

How difficult was it to come out?
Not hard. Just two words: "I'm gay."

How old were you when you came out?
15

How was the majority's reaction upon telling them?
Good, but shocked. It was then when he started looking at me as more of an equal (he's nearly 21). Told me that he knew he would eventually figure out that I'm not just a little kid anymore, but expected to find a straight porn rag or something.

Are you glad you came out?
Yeah, I think I am.

If approached by someone you presumed was homophobic and they asked if you were gay, truthfully, what would be the answer?
Same way I get out of any conversation, find some way to confuse them, either through logic or just plain weirdness.

Do you think homosexuality is nature or nurture?
I'm not a psychologist or a geneticist, don't ask me.

That said, you don't see a lot of penguin moms raising their sons with Barbies and their daughters with power tools, if you know what I mean.

How did you learn to accept yourself if you had difficulties doing so?
Mentally slapped myself in the face. I just had to face reality, I'm gay and there's nothing I can do about it.

Have you ever self harmed?
Not in most senses of the word.

Have you ever felt in over your head due to being gay?
I dunno, I guess.

Have you ever felt penalised for being gay?
Nope. Not out to many people, so the sorts of people who would treat me differently don't know to do so.

Do you think there is enough support for the LGBT youth community?
If I say yes, then I'm ignorant and stupid. If I say no, then somebody will urge me to obligate myself to things.

If something could be done to help you, what would you want it to be?
I need a boyfriend.

 

When did you know you were gay?
When I was a kid and I used to play Sailor Moon. When I had sexual fantasies, I'd be the female.

What did you feel upon knowing?
A sort of emptiness.

What compelled you to come out?
I never "came out" so much as just started answering yes. I've been pestered as being gay for so long. I just felt like getting it in the open so people would shut up about it.

When did you decide to come out?
I flip-flopped from gay to bisexual during my 7th grade year (12 years old).

Who are you out to?
Everybody who knows me. It's mutually understood in my family, just not talked about.

How difficult was it to come out?
In ways, it was, but the hardest was the beginning. Once the ball got rolling, momentum took care of itself.

How old were you when you came out?
Twelve.

How was the majority's reaction upon telling them?
Seventh and eighth grade there was a lot of bullying. But by high school, everyone just got mature and dealt with it. They didn't mind, they appreciated my honesty. But when I came out, it wasn't ever surprising to anyone.

Are you glad you came out?
Yes and no. Sometimes I wish I kept my options open.

If approached by someone you presumed was homophobic and they asked if you were gay, truthfully, what would be the answer?
Well, it's only a presumption, so I'd just answer "gay" and hope they're okay with it. Besides, there are a lot of people who've told me "I used to not be okay with gay people, but we're friends and now I realize it's normal." So I'd just be honest.

Do you think homosexuality is nature or nurture?
I don't question the birth of universe (big-bang, creationism, I don't care), and I don't question my sexuality. It's not something I need to retrace, there's no need for that. I just need to look forward.

How did you learn to accept yourself if you had difficulties doing so?
I just had to stick with it. I am who I am, and everyone else is everyone else. I accepted myself first only by learning to accept other people's beautiful differences.

Have you ever self harmed?
Yes.

Have you ever felt in over your head due to being gay?
Mmm, a bit. But sometimes I find it more of a blessing. It seems that straight guys have it a lot harder.

Have you ever felt penalised for being gay?
Not tremendously. The bullying stopped by high school. Otherwise, not really.

Do you think there is enough support for the LGBT youth community?
Location, location, location. In my life, at my school, there's plenty of support. In the world, I don't quite know.

If something could be done to help you, what would you want it to be?
My fairy godmother would come down, she'd wave her wand around, and in a brilliant wave of glittery sparks, I'd have a beautiful carriage, an amazing husband, a glorious manor, a completely accepting environment, AND FLAMING METEORS OF FIERY DEATH WOULD COME CRASHING DOWN UPON EVERYONE WHO EVER WENT AGAINST ME.