MATT
NEBRASKA | SERIES # 4
I had a very loving family, but nothing filled me with more fear than coming out. Coming out was something I knew I had to do, but I wanted to wait as long as possible. I decided to come out because I was suffering. My mom passed away about a month before I came out, and I needed to get something off of my shoulders. My dad was an amazing person and an even better father, and I knew he would never stop loving me, but how was I to know if he’d stop loving me if he knew I was transgender and gay? He was totally supportive though and started calling me Matthew pretty much the next day!
He wasn’t the first person I came out to. All my friends knew, and nobody called me my dead name for a solid two years. In my family, I told my youngest older sister, who came out to me as bi at the same time. I know I wouldn’t have been able to come out without the help of my therapist, who I came out to the first time I met with her. Why would I wait to come out to her, since I wouldn’t want to stay with her if she was homophobic or transphobic? But she wasn’t, and she’s been with me for six years. She’s helped me through my gender and sexuality, losing both my parents, and general depression and anxiety issues that come with being a teenager.
My message to anyone out or not, find someone who you love and trust. Someone you know who isn’t against your identity, and hold onto them for as long as you can. Support and friendship are the most important parts of being a person, and even more important when you’re a minority or different in any way. My message to the world, be kind! Kindness is the strongest weapon against hate, and the only way to succeed. Stay safe, and stay good.
