Looking Back on 2008

Hey, everybody! Can you believe it’s already the end of December? Soon we will be ushering in 2009!

It’s been an insane year, not only for me but the entire LGBT community. In this year alone, in some places same-sex couples have gained or regained the right to marry, only to lose it again. The next year will bring the California Supreme Court decision regarding Prop 8, and gay-rights activists are on pins and needles waiting for a decison. The election year brought about many wins for liberal Americans; however gays and lesbians were dealt blows at almost every turn. Gay marriage bans passed in Arizona, California, and Florida. Alabama passed a ballot measure to deny gays the right to adopt. We were knocked down, but we are slowly catching our breath and getting back up, ready to fight the discrimination we’ve been given. President-elect Barack Obama has promised to end “don’t ask, don’t tell” so gays and lesbians can freely serve their country in the military. His views on gay rights are admittedly sketchy, but much better than McCain’s. With a Democratic majority in both houses of Congress, perhaps we can reach some victories for the LGBT community.

My own year has been eventful. In March, I finally overcame my own fears and came out, proving to be the single most pivotal point of my life so far. I was amazed by the overwhelming acceptance of my family, friends, and peers; I did not expect such a large and deep acknowledgment. I have had to handle homophobia and discrimination, but I’ve done so quite well. My newfound self esteem allowed me to create this blog in an effort to help others in my situation.

In August, I began my senior year of high school and my second year at my job at the local public library. Both have provided exciting new challenges for me.

Fall also brought luck to my love life. After a short, online relationship with my (technically) first official boyfriend, I embarked on a relationship with my current boyfriend, Dakota. I often joke that he has the second greatest boyfriend in the world (and I have the first greatest), and I mean it. He’s a loving, intelligent young man and super-cute to top it off. I’m so lucky. It’ll be two months in January, and the greatest two months of my life at that. I wasn’t really looking to fall in love, but damn if I haven’t.

I'm so ready for 2009. I’m looking forward to Prom with Dakota, graduation, college, and whatever life throws my way. I’m at a point in my life where I’ve evolved immensely in a short time. I feel invincible! I can handle anything that I must face! I implore you to evolve your life in the next year (I’ve stopped now, so why not keep going?). I personally want to make this site bigger and better, and reach more people! Good luck with all your endeavors, and have a great holiday, no matter which one you celebrate!