One year changes everything

Hey, everybody. I know it’s been forever since I’ve written (busy, busy) but until recently there has not been much in the way of LGBT news, nationally, that is.

However, March 4 is the one-year anniversary of the day I came out. Yes, one year ago I shed my skin of shame and opened that metaphorical door to let my light out.

Wow. Looking back I can only say how quickly it passed by. Maybe it’s the extreme amount of crap going on like college, senior year, and work that made this short year pass me so fast. Maybe it’s the weight that was lifted off my shoulders when I came out that finally allowed me to enjoy life.

I’ve changed so much. One year ago, I was opinionated yet soft-spoken. Now I have a blog about being gay and my opinions on society. One year ago, I was coming out in hopes of luring someone (anyone) else out of the closet at my school so I could have a boyfriend and take a boy to Prom. Now I’ve had two boyfriends (although only one counts) and am trying to decide if I want to go to his Prom or mine.

I’ve also gained an amazing support net of friends who seem to admire my courage. My mom and I have gotten closer, and my family has become less homophobic. I don’t think it’s necessarily because they don’t want to offend me but because now that they know someone who’s gay closely, they see that gays are just like anyone else. My network of online friends has expanded to include some fantastic queer people (<3 you, Caroline!) and I’ve met some really great people.

I’ve immersed myself in gay culture. Before, I listened to mostly country music. Now my play list is filled Madonna, Cher, Britney, Lady Gaga, and other gay icons. It’s not because I’m buying into some stereotype of the gay man, but these artists are really fantastic and I wouldn’t know them if I hadn’t came out. I’m also a newly found fan of Kathy Griffin, Margaret Cho, and others, who I see as champions of the gay rights. I’ve become addicted to gay and lesbian movies and televison, such as Queer as Folk, Will and Grace, anything from here!, and my biggest addiction, Dante’s Cove (FIND IT; YOU WILL BE ENTHRALLED).

More than anything, I’ve begun to enjoy life more. I know what I want out of life, and I’m out to seize it. It’s quite the head-trip. Now that I can focus on my health and exercising, I stress-eat less and quit wallowing in my shame. I truly believe my life started one year ago. I’m out, and never going back in.