20 Dec 09: Well everyone, I haven't been on this website for a while now, and thought I'd come back, just for a second, to sort of "make peace" with it. I know it sounds weird, but the forum used to be somewhat of a life-savor. I remember finding this place, my freshman year of high school, and instantly feeling so much less alone. It was fantastic to have people I could connect with and not have to fear judgement. We all can understand what everyone else here is going through. I guess if I've learned since freshman year, here are the things I learned.

1) Don't be afraid to be yourself. People begin to appreciate you so much more than when you were faking it. Maybe don't come out in high school if you know it will make things harder, but definitely afterward in college.

2) Don't be depressed. It's often a choice. Just because you're a minority doesn't make you "different" or inferior. Although you may feel these ways now, you will grow to live in an environment surrounded by people and things that are comfortable for you.

3) Be outgoing. Speak to everyone, always smile. Become interested in what others have to say; they'll become interested in you in return.

4) Stop giving a shit. It doesn't matter what other people think. It doesn't matter what you're wearing or what you're listening to or watching. Just do whatever makes you happiest. Once they've matured, those surrounding you will begin to appreciate your individually.

5) Nothing will change if you don't. Problems don't just resolve themselves. Work on fixing yourself to be whoever you want to be and the rest will follow.

mat21