Will You Marry Me?
By Robbie Equality
6-1-12
"Stand Up and Fight!"
I have been an openly gay male for years, before that however I had an akward bisexual phase (that was very short lived). I was afraid to be myself, so I hid behind a mask so to speak. Conforming to what my family and friends expected me to be. In doing so I started to hate myself, but for fear of not being accepted I kept up with the facade. It wasn't until I was 16 that I had to cast aside that mask or I would've ended up killing myself. By coming out and being myself I grew to realize that people will love you for who you are, no matter who or what that may be. I lost many so called friends and even some family members who shunned me for being...different. Though for everyone that I lost I found new friends (some I consider closer than family) who accepted me for me.
It's hard for me to see people being hurt (even killed) for living their life the way they want to, the way that makes them happy. I have seen so many people who hide their true self. Whether it be for family, work, friends, religion, etc... Though there are many online support groups where you can go annonymously for acceptance. There are also groups that meet for LGBT teens, adults, supporters, and parents of LGBT children. Sadly some will not go for fear of being seen or socialized with such people, they go on living a dual life to fit in, and be accepted by being what they think others expect them to be.
It's time to stop living a lie and be yourself. Too many people have died, whether by committing suicide because they were unhappy and depressed from being rejected by not living up to societies expectations. Or in some cases killed by people that think gay people are a blemish on society that needs to be removed. Not everyone can or will accept us for being who we are, but we can not live our lives in fear. If you feel that you are in physical danger because of your choice of lifestyle, tell people and ask for help. I personally have walked friends and strangers home that were too scare to do so alone.
There are people out there that will go places with you and make sure you get home safely, people like myself that don't want to see bad things happen to good people. All you have to do is ask. There is safety in numbers, carry a pocket knife, mace, taser gun, and other implements of self defense. But never be afraid to ask for help. You have every right to be who you want to be, and if being that person puts your safety in question don't be afraid to ask for help.
We have to stand up for ourselves, be brave enough to be yourself! If I saw someone being gay bashed I would run to help them, defend them, and make sure they were alright. Sadly some would keep on walking, maybe call 911, and never think to jump in (thinking it's not my fight). With pride around the corner everyone is all too happy to wave the rainbow flag. But what about the rest of the year, where is your pride then? We should be proud to be ourselves all the time, not just one month out of the year!
I want everyone to watch the movie Pay It Forward, it made a very big impact on my life and I hope it does yours too! We have to stand united in the face of oppisition, help our fellow LGBT community, and not just worry about our own hides!! I hope to see all of you at the Pittsburgh Pride Parade June 10th. Standing united together and showing the world it's ok to be yourself!!!!