Zip:
53205

I am new to coming out in the community and I thought this would be a good opportunity for me to encourage others to come out. I am treated well and feel comfortable with my family and friends. I want to tell other people don't be afraid of me. I am just another person.

Ask me about the gay community. I am not going to be offended. I want the opportunity to be friendly and share things about myself with my friends and neighbors. Treat me like anyone else you respect. Please speak to me instead of starring at me. I am not an alien. Just say hi how are you or complement me. I would love for you to let me know you are in favor of fairness for all people.

People have laughed at me, and cracked jokes about who I am. I am glad to say no one has physically hurt me for being gay. Sometimes people stare at me like I am going to steel from them. People watch me like I am going to harm them. I want to be treated fairly like anyone else. Just because I am gay it doesn't make me a criminal.

If you know you are attracted to people of the same sex, don't be afraid to come out. I was most worried about telling my mother. I finally told her the truth about me and she surprised me by saying she always knew. ‘I have just been waiting for you to tell me.' Now we crack jokes about it.