JEREMY
UTAH | SERIES 2
As a kid I started to realize that the way my friends talked about girls was the same way I felt about boys.
I love sports, but some people began to make comments behind my back like, "Oh, he plays sports to touch boys, what a perv." I couldn't get those voices out of my head. I decided I couldn't let anyone's opinion affect how I live my life. Now I'm proud to say I'm on the football and baseball teams.
Many of the people I thought would judge me for being gay still love me and know me as the adorable goofball who lights up a room, and tries to bring smiles to everyone he knows.
Growing up in small town Idaho has been quite the upbringing for a 15 year old gay boy. As bad as it sounds, it has honestly been a wonderful experience full of love and learning.
As a kid I always felt better about hanging out with boys instead of girls, which is normal for most boys. Later on I started to realize that the way my friends talked about girls, saying they have nice butts or hair or whatever else, was the same way I felt about boys.
This realization made me think that I was different, and I thought others might treat me as an abnormal person.
I was scared that this small aspect of my life would cause others to make my life hell.
I love sports; I have a strong passion for football and baseball. But, some people would make comments behind my back like, "Oh, he plays sports to touch boys, what a perv." I couldn't get those voices out of my head.
It was challenging to make a decision between doing what I love, or staying away from hateful comments.
I was afraid that my friends, who were all straight, would look at me differently or treat me strangely.
After some self exploration, I said to myself, "Fuck it, I can't have anyone's opinion affect how I live my life.” Now I'm proud to say that I'm on the football and baseball teams. The mantra I have with sports is, "Let your actions prove you belong here, not your words.” Just by playing my hardest I have earned respect from many of my teammates. And, from my friends I have had nothing but love and support. I love them with all my heart. They are my family.
Many of the people I thought would judge me for being gay still love me and know me as the adorable goofball who lights up a room, and tries to bring smiles to everyone he knows.
Now I have love and full support from my mother and brothers. I also have the greatest bunch of cronies I could ever ask for. They never treated me differently; they love me for me. I couldn't wish for anything better.
I have learned through this experience that you have to love yourself and keep pressing on.
Times will be hard, but that's life. It's not perfect but it's damn near close.
Always trust your heart. It will tell you if something is right or wrong. Just trust and love yourself. Sure, there will be people that will hate and judge; fuck them. Cherish the people who love you for you. Remember, never be afraid to be you. You matter. You're beautiful. But most importantly, you're YOU.
