My name is Angela. I'm 16 years old. I’ve known I wasn't straight for about 4 years now. I'm still in the closet. Four years doesn’t seem like a lot of time. not compared to how long other people are. But 4 years is about a quarter of my life. A quarter of my life I've been holding something so important something so life changing from the people I love.
I need to come out soon. I know I need to. I want to. But I don't know how. I don't- I don't know how to break their hearts like this. If there's one thing my family's ever expected of me It's to be perfect. I’m an honor student. . I don't do drugs. I don't smoke. I don't go to parties. I don't do anything that would cause trouble. My family is a mess and a lot of ways but when my mom looks at me, and she says you're the only one that I'm not worried about. And I don't know how to- I don't know if I can change that. I don't think should take me out, but I know it's going to one of the things that we know was there, but never acknowledged.
My brother is my best friend in the world. But he thinks trans people have brain disorders. And he doesn't care. What quote unquote the days do as long as they don't shove it in his face. I don't know how to- If can change their view of me like this. I don't know how to do this. but I need to. I need to do it for me. I need to do it so I can live and be free to be who I am. I feel like I feel like when I'm sitting there. They must know just by how loud I'm thinking about it. Every time is a quiet moment. I think about telling them I think about- I think about it all the time. I just don't know how. One day, maybe I'll be strong enough to do it. But I don't know. if that day is today
I hope you know that it is 100% acceptable for you to come out at your own pace on your own terms. I also hope you find the freedom and acceptance you are seeking.
