my parents outed me before i was ready, about three years ago. they went through my phone and found that i had a girlfriend i was keeping secret from them. luckily, or perhaps unluckily?, they seemed to think it was a whole big joke and never talked about it after. it’s still so painful for me to put into words how i felt, how i still feel now, like i’m open and exposed, skin pulled from my body, muscle and sinew and bone all for show, so uncomfortable in myself i want to scratch all the flesh from my body. ripping me apart, exposing me, leaving me so vulnerable only to invalidate me, deny me the right to simply exist as who i am. i wish i could turn back time; i’ve never truly felt the same since. i can’t tell this to anyone, i don’t know who i can tell this to. i don’t know anyone who could accept me for who i am and who i love. i know my story is nothing special; there are so many struggling lgbt+ youth, but i’d just like to share mine for the spare few who will come across this and perhaps seek comfort in knowing they’re not alone.
