"Here come the grooms, both dressed in suits..."

Growing up, much like other young girls that I knew, I used to think of what it would be like to grow up, get married and have kids. I'd dream about what I'd wear, what music would be playing in the cathedral, and how many people would be at my decked out reception afterwards to celebrate and congratulate me and my beautiful newly wed bride.

As I got older, I realized that I'm not into having a bride. Hell, I don't like girls at all, other than to hang out with. Then on one destined night at the age of 19, me and two of my dearest friends (girls) were having a deep talk under the chilly September starscape. A lot of it was geared towards the topic of weddings and marriage.

As I grew more and more introverted throughout the conversation I was urged to speak my peace. And that I did. "I'm gay!" I blurted out in a frenzy, as tears welled in my eyes. For the next 2 or so hours as we stayed up in an old elementary playground engulfed by the night, I felt different, I felt comfortable, I felt relieved, but most of all I felt free.

The next morning, my perspective of reality had hit me. 'Holy shit, I'm gay, my secret's out, there's no more hiding from here on in'. What that meant to me was that I could no longer have my fantasy wedding come true. 'Faggots don't get married and have kids,' I told myself, or rather, drilled it into my head, 'they aren't normal people, they're a shameful subculture hated by the rest of society'.

Well here I am almost 7 years later, but now with a much different perspective. I find myself in a country that has opened it doors to all cultures, and all aspects of life. I find myself a proud, gay man with the freedom and the right that every other human being has. And what that right is, is to live my dreams!


PS - I'm not getting married... yet.