Coming out isn't easy. Quite frankly, it's terrifying. However, once you do you will feel a complete sense of relief. Telling your friends might be scary at first, but you will soon realize that the true friends will not care at all. Telling your family, on the other hand, is another mountain to climb. Your family has seen you one way for your whole life, and you are keeping this one huge secret.

There are many reasons why you have been afraid to "come out" to your family. They may practice a strict religion that believes being gay is a sin. They may believe that being gay is OK, but having a partner or getting married is not OK. They may verbally show disgust when there is a gay cast member in television show or movie.

They may believe that it is a choice to be gay. However, if we are being honest here, I think many would agree that it would just be easier to be straight in our society even though we have come a long way with it, but you know what? It's all OK.

It is OK to gay.

It is OK to be lesbian.

It is OK to be bisexual.

It is OK to be transgender.

It is OK to be queer.

It is OK to be asexual.

It is all OK.

How you identify under the umbrella of sexuality and is your business to share, so do not let anyone steal your thunder. Take your time.

Come out as fast or as slow as you need to.

Come out to those who really matter in your life.

Come out to your friends and family.

Come out to your classmates.

Come out to your mentor.

Let the world know that you are OK with being a member of the LBGTQ community. Let the world know that you are proud to be who you are.

Overall, there needs to be more visibility of those who are in the LBGTQ community. The constant fear of caring what others will think needs to be something LBGTQ alliances need to eliminate by decreasing gay slurs. Saying "that's so gay" or "fag" are phrases and terms that are very hurtful to the LGBTQ community. The word "gay" is not interchangeable with the word "stupid." As a member of the LGBTQ community, you need to be confident and brave enough to inform friends who use these phrases and terms that it is hurtful.

I know I am giving you a lot of advice right now but take it with a grain of salt. Sexuality is fluid and can always change. Explore who you are and do not be afraid to be that person. Do not be afraid of what old high school friends or elementary school friends will think.

Be the person you were meant to be. One person's opinion of you does not matter. You are beautiful inside and out so do not be afraid to "come out" and be who you are. Be honest. Be true. Do not be afraid to be Y O U.

Love,

A proud member of the LBGTQ community.

"Push yourself to do one thing outside your comfort zone today."