Why do I have to tell you I'm Gay?

Why do I have to tell you I am gay?
Why can't I just be quiet about it?
This I hope will explain why I don't WANT to shut up about it....

I want to tell you I am Gay because
I am
fed up of hiding
bored of lying
annoyed of pretending
tired of sidestepping
Drained of guilt and fear barricading me from you

I need to tell you I am Gay because
I like you and
I value our relationship
And I am not at ease with a relationship based upon deceit
I need to tell you I am Gay because
I want to be a positive and confident role model--
I want to counteract the offensive stereotypes
That has plagued our community
And provide you with a gay person you can have pride in

I need to tell you I am Gay because
I want to be able to share my life with you
I don't want to have to lie
and say I was with a womyn over the weekend
I don't want to have separate bedrooms
And call the person I love my "roommate"
I need to tell you I am gay because
This is
WHO I AM

It has taken me a long time to get to this place
Where I can share with you who I am
And I hope that you
Like me enough to stay in my life
For it would hurt me greatly to sacrifice our friendship
But if you can't stay I will know that
You NEVER REALLY loved me
And to be honest
I will be better off with out you

"Coming out" takes many of us a very long time
It is a highway of much pain, agony, fear, sadness, and anguish
However once we gain and win our own acceptance and come to terms
With who we are.... Our lives can be full, prosperous, euphoric,
And fulfilled with awesome, loving people both gay and straight.

Like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon
We can find our beauty and fly!
-Anonymous

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this page last updated 26/9/2000   design and content © bentgrrrl