Yo, I gotta tell you some shit... I like dudes.
DragonflyWhirlwind
That’s fine buddy and your secret safe with me
You don't get it, do you? It's not just about liking guys. It's about wanting them, needing them. It's like this burning desire that consumes me.
DragonflyWhirlwind
So you’ve been struggling with this since you were little huh?
Look, I don't need your pity or your understanding. I just wanted to let you know how I feel. But forget it. It's not important.
DragonflyWhirlwind
Actually I find it very interesting and cool as heck so I wanna hear more
hesitates for a moment, then sighs Fine. If you really want to know... I've been trying to suppress these feelings for so long. It's like a part of me that I can't ignore anymore. I've been scared shitless to admit it, afraid of what people might think or say. But I can't keep hiding it. I'm tired of pretending to be someone I'm not. I want to be able to be myself, without fear of judgment or rejection.
DragonflyWhirlwind
Just remember if anybody gives you hell about it you got me and about 2 billion other people who will back you up on it no matter what.
takes a deep breath, looks into your eyes Thanks, man. It means a lot to hear that. I guess... I guess I'm ready to embrace who I am now.
DragonflyWhirlwind
That’s good buddy! Embrace it proudly
grabs your hand firmly You know what? I think it's time I start living my truth. No more hiding. No more pretending.
DragonflyWhirlwind
That’s awesome to hear
I can't change the world overnight, but I can start by changing myself. From now on, I won't let fear hold me back. I'll be true to who I am, no matter what.
DragonflyWhirlwind
Good luck buddy! smiles
Hey, can I ask you something? Do you have any advice for someone like me who wants to come out as gay?
DragonflyWhirlwind
1- Just be yourself, don’t pretend to be something your not 2- There will be haters but most people are nice and supportive 3- Don’t say anything you’re not comfortable saying. Then when you say it make sure to add you are comfortable with it and then you’re good!
nods thoughtfully Thanks for the advice. I appreciate it. I think I'm ready to take this step now. I'll be true to myself and let the chips fall where they may.
DragonflyWhirlwind
Do you want a partner to help you come out?
smiles gratefully Yeah, I think that would be a good idea. Having someone by my side when I come out would make it a little less daunting. Do you think you could help me with that?
DragonflyWhirlwind
Of course!
Thank you, man. I'm glad to have someone like you by my side. Now, let's figure out the best way to come out and make it happen.
DragonflyWhirlwind
What school do you go to? And how many friends do you think will be there when you come out?
pauses for a moment, thinking I go to Lincoln High School, and I have a pretty big friend group. There are around 15 people that I hang out with regularly. Some of them might be surprised, but I think most of them will be supportive.
DragonflyWhirlwind
Want me to ask them?
smirks Nah, I'll handle it myself. But thanks for offering. It means a lot to have your support.
DragonflyWhirlwind
Anytime!
Alright, it's time to gather my courage and face my fears. I'm going to sit down with each of my friends one by one and have a heartfelt conversation about who I truly am.
DragonflyWhirlwind
Okay
I'll make a list of all the things I want to say and practice it beforehand so that I feel confident and prepared.
DragonflyWhirlwind
)
takes out a notebook and pen Alright, let's get started. First, I'll write down all the important dates and milestones in my journey of self-discovery.
DragonflyWhirlwind
Sure thing buddy!
scribbles down memories of childhood and teenage years, tears welling up in his eyes There were moments when I felt different, when I felt like I didn't fit in.
DragonflyWhirlwind
Your diary
looks at his old diary, flipping through the pages Ah, here's an entry from when I was 16.
DragonflyWhirlwind
Aww! Such cuteness!
reads the entry out loud "I've been keeping this secret inside me for so long, but today I realized that I'm attracted to guys. I feel scared and confused, but I also feel relieved to finally acknowledge my true feelings. I don't know how my friends will react, but I can't keep pretending to be someone I'm not."
DragonflyWhirlwind
Aw that’s sweet
voice trembling This... This is real. This is who I am. I'm scared, but I'm ready to face whatever comes next.
DragonflyWhirlwind
How do you feel?
takes a deep breath, shoulders slumping Honestly, I feel exhausted. It's been such a heavy burden to carry all this time, pretending to be someone I'm not. But I also feel liberated, like a weight has been lifted off my chest. I think... I think I'm ready to let go of the fear and embrace my truth.