My Friends Find Out the TruthMy friends have been the biggest support system. I still remember coming out to my best friend Karina. I invited her to come to my car to have a quick chat. As soon as she stepped in I felt a huge knot in my throat that prevented me from saying a single word. My eyes began to fill with tears and I laid my head against the car window as if I would miraculously have the courage to tell her. “What is going on?” she said. My partner was sitting in the back seat and he was brave enough to say it for me. “We’re dating” he said. Her face quickly turned to me and said “You’re gay? So?” She chuckled as she leaned in to give me a hug. This was one of the hardest moments in my life and I could not be happier by the result. Karina has been a huge part in my coming out. She was the first person to show me that it was okay to be different. That people chose to love who they love and that everyone deserves to be happy. She constantly defended me from others comments even when they wouldn’t affect me. I couldn’t choose a better friend to stick by my side than her. Her outlook on life is definitely one that shines rays of light on the darkest of days. Although she may never admit this herself, I know it’s true, because she has been the light at the end of tunnel that has guided me to where I am today. Thank you for being my best friend and always being there when I need you. From the days we would make Mrs. Krier mad for walking the mile in high school, to the start of our journey at OSU, to being full blown adults right after college. You will always be part of my life, and I am so lucky to have met you. I would also like to give thanks to my past relationship for showing me what it’s like to be myself. For allowing me to be comfortable in my own skin and allowing me to uncover my mask in front of all my friends. One of the big things about being gay is finding someone who you can truly be yourself with. It’s hard. I mean it may be just be me, but a lot of people I meet are consumed by insecurities or have fallen down the rabbit hole of believing they will never find true love. I was fortunate enough to be in love through the majority of my time in college. Although things may not have turned out as expected I am glad to say I was able to experience something so special with someone who meant the world to me. He showed me what it was like to truly love someone. It’s a feeling I can’t describe. I could see it, feel it, hear it but I can’t put it into words. He saw the best and worst in me but still managed to be my side and showed me it was okay to put your trust in someone and be your true vulnerable self. Being in this relationship made it so easy for me to come out to my friends and those around me. People would see us and automatically associate us together. I remember throwing a small get together at his place and inviting all my friends. This was the first time they had seen me with him and I remember hearing everyone ask Karina “Are they together?” Luckily she waited until I was ready to make the big announcement. Soon after all my friends found out I was gay and couldn’t be happier that I was able to share something so intimate with them. I was blessed to be surrounded by people who were so open minded and accepted every aspect of my life. I give thanks to each and every one of you for giving me the confidence to showcase my true colors, and paving the way to tell everyone…I’m gay.
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AuthorRicardo Perez Archives
October 2018
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