JORDAN
SOUTH DAKOTA | SERIES # 3
This is my story — one that I would like to share with other LGBTQ+ teens. I had a very encouraging parent who always told me that it was okay, but that didn’t make it any easier. I still waited 17 years before confessing my true self. I had the help of a special someone who, at the time, was just a friend. She helped me overcome the scary feeling of telling my mom who, like I said before, was very understanding and accepted me right away with no hesitation. However, I know that is not the case for everyone.
On June 17th, 2016, I asked to speak to my mom privately and my younger brother was, of course, being nosy that day. I told him that I had to talk to Mom alone and that I would explain things more in-depth after I was finished. My mom had just gotten off of work and was worried that I had gotten into some trouble. She was very anxious to know why I had pulled her aside that afternoon. All I said was, “Mom, I like girls.” She replied saying something along the lines of, “Well jeez, I thought something was wrong with you. Finally, you tell me what I already know,” and then she started laughing. I, of course, thought it was impossible that she knew considering I had never told anyone and that I’ve known since I was about 14 years old. I was a little weirded out until she started telling me how much she loved me and that it didn’t matter who I was sexually attracted to because I was still her daughter and nothing would make her stop loving me.
I know that I had it easy, and that some coming-out stories aren’t as easy as mine was, but I just want to say that everyone should be loved for who they are. I come from a state that is very controversial and, most of the time, teens are bullied for being gay. That is why I want to say that you are not alone. You don’t have to feel alone because there are others just like us. I believe in every one of you; struggling or not. We are in this together. Love is love.
