When I was 12, I realized not everyone thought about women the same way I did. I assumed everyone got a little nervous walking past the Victoriaās Secret store because, obviously, women were beautiful. Then I learned that most straight girls didnāt have celebrity crushes on Emma Watson and didnāt think about what it would be like to kiss the girls sitting across from them in math class.
I knew I was attracted to women before then, but I didnāt have the language to explain it. I assumed that because I liked men, I couldnāt also like women. I supported my gay friends, but I didnāt think I was allowed to be part of that community. That was a direct result of internalized homophobia and biphobia.
Things that, believe it or not, still exist.
When I came out, my mom was incredibly supportive. She was slightly offended that I came out to my brother before her, but she was genuinely happy that I felt safe enough to share that part of myself. I already knew she was an ally, and once I realized there was language for what I was feeling, I finally felt safe identifying with it myself.
Happy Pride, whether youāre out and proud, still figuring it out, or not ready to come out yet I see you and I support you in your journey š³ļøāš
