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Hi Everyone! My name is Michael. I'm 18 years old and am starting my freshman year in college and also working. I'm still living with my family, but hope to transfer to a university after two years of community college and live on my own. I'm from a multi-cultural background. My dad is white (German, Scottish, Dutch) and my mom is Hispanic (Spanish, Mexican). I've came out to my parents as gay when I was 13, but I've been out completely since I was 16. For the past 2-3 years, I've been very much involved with the GLBT community. I've spoken at middle and high schools about the plight of GLBT youth in the school system. I was a member of my high school's Gay-Straight Alliance. And I've been a member of our local GLBT community center. And this upcoming year, I'm applying to be a member of our pride commitee, which organizes the gay pride parade. That sure sounds like a lot! But my one passion is GLBT rights. I have no problem spending my time with such a worthy cause. When I was first coming out, I emailed a peer counselor at Youth Resource. He really helped me to deal with issues with my mom. I was lucky enough to be blessed with accepting parents. When I first came out, they weren't hostile. They just were ignorant about gay issues. But with the help of a YR peer educator, they started attending PFLAG (Parents, Family, Friends of Lesbians and Gays) and now they're total supportive. So I know personally how beneficial simply talking to another gay teenager can be. When I emailed YR, I was depressed and felt like the only "freak" out there. Now I've come so far. And YR was a definite stepping stone in my journey. Talking with a YR peer educator can help so much in realizing that you're not alone and there are so many out there with open arms. I'm willing to help in any way I can. Some of the issues I've personally dealt with: coming out at school and to family, harassment at school, HIV and STD prevention/issues, relationship issues, and transgender/crossdressing issues. Please feel free to email me about anything. I'm here to listen. Hope to hear from you and take care! |