SARAH - 16
My cousin used to own this awesome cafe in the city that I frequented. I went on a date with my girlfriend at the time to his cafe. When we got there my cousin asked me who my friend was, and I replied without even thinking 'Ohh thats my girlfriend'. He looked at me for a second then sort of pulled me to the side and asked me if I was gay, I told him how I wasn't sure because I liked guys too, and that sex wasn't really an issue for me. He was so excited to find out another member of the family was same sex attracted.
KADE -17
Back in 2005 when I was still buzzing from my very first Minus18 the night before. I had used the old "I'm going to the movies in the city with a few mates" excuse on Mum and Dad.
"How was the movie last night?" Questioned Dad whilst we were all making breakfast. Mind you, I was humming "Boyfriend" by Ashlee Simpson from the night before.
Still being on a high from the night before I had more Gay Pride in me then a gay man on a Mardi Gras float.
"I didn't actually go to a movie, I went to Minus18"
"Minus18?" Mum questioned.
"An underage dance party... for gay youth"
Dad dropped his breakfast plate and store right at me with tears in his
eyes, "Here it comes," I thought to myself.
Like two dancers, both Mum and Dad quick stepped across the kitchen and
gave me and embraced me.
Through the sobbing I heard Dad whisper something;
"I am so proud of you Kade"
NATHAN -18
We all know that icky feeling you get before you comprehend the number of things that are going around in your head while finally finding that focus and somehow transform them into words. Not to mention this morning?s breakfast creeping up your throat!
Yes? I call this the *FREAKOUT*. I give this sensation this name because it?s what I do every time I have to confront someone about something I don?t really want to talk about, but you know there is no other choice. A bit like when you have been playing basketball with your younger sibling and you have to go next door and explain why there is broken glass showered all over there kitchen floor.
I begin by asking mother dearest how her day has been.
ME: "How yor day beeeeeennn?" - Yes what seems easier enough in your head is actually a bit of a battle when it finally becomes spoken language.
ME: "I...have something to tell you"
MUM: "Ooh.. ok, what have you done??" (Yeah, that's great for the confidence!)
ME: "I have a boyfriend" (Shock! Horror!)
MUM: "That?s lovely son. Is this one of those wild crazy teenage phases again?"
ME: "We have been going out for three months now?" (SURPRISE! :O)
MUM: "Oh wow, how could I not see this?? Ok, maybe not a phase."
ASH -19
So I was outed in year seven by 'close friends', and pretty soon half the school knew. I was torn between denying it for safety and admitting it for the relief of finally being honest. I had hidden myself for so long that I couldn’t stand to live a lie any longer, whether the lie was easier or not. In the end I stopped talking to those supposed ‘friends’ and started fresh – as the real me. Turns out some people didn’t care, and those friends stayed with me throughout the remainder of highschool.
Things at home were a bit harder. Mum was shocked and found it hard to accept – I think mostly because of the way I was being treated at school though. Dad was always accepting and said I could bring anyone I liked home and it wouldn’t change his love for me. My older brother thought it was a phase but nevertheless had my back at school if anything happened. I guess that’s the good thing about family – they might not always agree or understand you or things you do, but most of the time they’ll be there anyway.
Things are amazing now. I’ve learnt to accept myself and my feelings. I know that
labels aren’t always the best way to go because sexuality is ever changing. It doesn’t scare me anymore to not know if I’m bi or gay – I’m just me. Not that it matters though – once the laws change I’ll marry my fiancee and who cares about fluid sexuality or homophobic people or any of that.
Stay tuned! More to come next week :D
