The Art and Beauty of Coming Out

Love is a beautiful thing, and I've always been on the right side of history. Loving and accepting people as they are and not being judgmental about them. America celebrated its 250th birthday back in July and diversity, equality, and inclusion are what this country is and should be about. Regardless of political affiliation, treating others with dignity and respect isn't radical or tied to a single party. I knew that I liked the same sex, dating back to the second grade. I didn't express those feelings in public, because I grew up in the 90s. Around that decade, being gay was still seen as taboo. I wouldn't have dared to come out back then, because one, my now estranged parents were super religious and two, something bad would've happened to me. So, I kept my true feelings a secret from everyone for nearly 20 years: a decision that I would later regret.

Fast forward to February 20, 2012: I couldn't hide who I was anymore, but I feared that many people would never talk, let alone, be my friend ever again. So, I made the bold move and came out to my friends on social media and others soon after. While many applauded me for this, others disowned me. It felt like heavy weight had come off my shoulders. I started dating less than a month after coming out. The last serious relationship I was in was back in 2019 and planned on marrying a wonderful man in March of the following year. We all know what occurred in 2020. Unfortunately, things didn't work out with my now ex-fiancée. We're still good friends to this day, so there weren't any hard feelings between the both of us. In the years since we broke up, I haven't dated much, but I refuse to give up on finding love. Being single isn't a bad thing, but at the same time, I want to find a man and best friend to spend the rest of my life with. Race isn't an issue with me when it comes to what type of man I'm seeking. I've always had a liking to older men. What I mean by that is someone who's between the ages of 45-60. Someone who's romantic, loving, and takes care of his body.

I'm out to almost everyone, except at work. It's not because I'm ashamed of myself. If anyone were to discover that I was gay and asked me if I was, I wouldn't deny it. I'm comfortable of who I am and don't care about what others think about me. I'm not concerned if people accept me or not, but if they'll treat me with decency, dignity, and respect. Coming out was the best thing that has ever happened to me, because I want to be myself and exist at the same time. I've attended Pride parades for the past 10 years and I love seeing others embracing their true selves, even if others don't approve. You don't need anyone's approval to live the life that you want. I'm old enough where I can love and accept myself unapologetically and extend that grace towards others. No matter who's in the White House, the fight for equal rights for all LGBTQIA+ people is far from over. Love and marry who you want, because as long as you're not hurting anyone, who am I to judge? Make the bigots mad, because you and your partner are two consenting adults who love each other. Finally, no matter what people say about you, be your true, authentic self. If people don't like it, well, that's their loss. I love you all and I hope that you're living your best life wherever you are. Peace, love, and rainbows!