How Finding Courage and Support Helped Me Come Out

Coming out was one of the best decisions of my life. It is a scary and overwhelming challenge that seems impossible to accomplish, but the reward is well worth the worry. As I entered junior year of high school, I was scared of what people would think of me, especially my closest friends. It all began at the Yom Kippur dinner table when I leaned over to my best friend and whispered: ‘I think I’m gay.’

I didn’t plan to tell her, I had no idea I was going to come out that night. The most important decision of my life was one I didn’t study for or prepare for.

It was something I knew and knew that it had to be said. Once I told my soon-to-be boyfriend, I was given the courage and support needed to tell my family and close friends.

From pulling people into the instrument room and sitting them down at lunch, coming out went from an exhausting experience to a celebratory occasion. This past junior year was the best year of my life.

I was accepted and loved by everyone and transformed into a much more social and happy person. My life began when I accepted who I was, and stopped lying to the ones I loved most.

I do not look back on my experience of coming out with dread or dismay. Instead, I view it as a time of introspection.

A time when I discovered who my true friends were and who loved me most. If you are struggling with the decision to come out, I strongly advise that you be true to yourself and not let the ideals of others decide how you are going to live your life.

I’m very lucky to have such amazing people in my life supporting me. I would like to thank my mom, dad, my friends, and my boyfriend for loving me no matter who I am.