Daniel | 20 | London, England | Nurse
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I was young and naive and I fell in love with a guy I could not be with. From the age of 13 I knew that I was different and that the feelings I had for this boy meant only one thing, I was gay. I spent my life at secondary school denying this fact and leading a double life. At school I was this shy kid who dare not say boo to a goose and pretended to like girls to stop the bullying.
"Inside I was thinking about boys and wishing that I could just shout from the roof tops, 'Okay, I'm Gay'." I grew up with a biological father who was homophobic through and through which made it difficult for me to ever be myself, but when I turned 17 and went to University a year early I found a new confidence within myself. On my very first night on campus I mustered the courage to text my three best friends the immortal words 'Hey guys I'm gay'. Each replied with amazing words of support and encouragement. I realized I was not yet strong enough to tell my family so I continued to lead my double life for the next year until I decided it was time to speak out. After visiting my sister's for the weekend I left a handwritten letter baring the secret of my life for her to read. Shortly after I answer the phone to the words, "You Idiot!" - That's sisterly love! My sister convinced me that the next weekend I must tell my mum and my step dad. So arriving back home, I stood at the back door with my mum while she puffed on her cigarette. "Mum I need to tell you something." A look of worry glazed over her face and then I muttered "I'm Gay". |
"After what seemed an abnormally long pause and a long drag on her cigarette came the response - Do you have a boyfriend!?"
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The relief I felt was like no other and together we hugged and sobbed for a few minutes as we both came to terms with the real Daniel that I wished to be. Over that weekend I told the rest of my family the news - or in my Nan's case, "Not really a surprise!" My step dad was amazing through this time and really showed me what it was like to have a father in my life. Nowadays being gay has no negative effect on my life. My family have supported me through everything; we have laughed and cried and most importantly we have all grown stronger together. "Coming out is one of the hardest things but with the support of a loving family it can become one of the great moments in a young gay persons life." Follow Daniel on Twitter - @Dan_Worgan
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