Growing up, I always felt like I didn't fit in. I was the quiet kid in class, the one who preferred books over socializing. I never quite understood why I felt so different, but as I got older, I began to realize that I was gay.
Coming out was one of the hardest things I've ever done. I was terrified of how my family and friends would react, of being judged and rejected. But I knew that I couldn't keep hiding who I was.
When I finally came out to my family, the reactions were mixed. Some were supportive, while others were disappointed and even angry. It wasn't easy, but I knew that I had to be true to myself, even if it meant losing some people along the way.
Today, I'm proud of who I am and the journey I've been on. Coming out was a difficult and painful process, but it also taught me the importance of being true to myself and standing up for what I believe in.