Michigan Reporter gives advice

Matthew Shutler writes a perspective piece on coming out of the closet. He tells his experience of the process of coming out and gives advise for those who are considering it.

I recently “came out of the closet” and, to my surprise, the world outside my little charade hasn’t changed much — except for a newly found happiness, of course. I made this decision a little after Christmas and I haven’t looked back since, but I have to admit that the decision itself was the most difficult one I’ve ever had to make. The pressure it presented and the unknown that waited on the other side wasn’t easy to set aside or overcome. However, coming out has made my life infinitely better, and other gay teenagers should know that they don’t have to live in an environment that forces them to keep their sexuality secret. I’m saying this in hopes that someone, somewhere will be helped by knowing that, because I understand the fear, pain and doubt that keeping this secret creates.

Read the full article on the Michigan Daily’s website

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Long Road to The Truth

Well as long as I can remember I have always said I am straight and refused to be anything else. However I always had this part of me that was attracted to girls and I knew it but I just continued ignoring it.

Don’t get me wrong I was raised by my Mum to think that being gay is just fine in fact a lot of my friends are gay and I have no problem with it I just never thought of myself as gay or bi.

A little over a month ago I think it was now I decided oh actually I am bi. Lately I have been leaning more towards being attracted to woman but am also still attracted to men.

When I told my Mum she was great about it but lately she has been really pushing me to be gay. This sounds strange I know but she is constantly asking me if I’m gay and won’t let it go. So for me I feel like she is telling me I can’t like both but the truth is I do.

For me its still a struggle to decide if I’m Bi or gay I’m not sure I am ready to decide just yet. I just hope that at some point my Mum will let me decide on my own and stop pushing me.

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I”m just getting started

Okay, well over the long holidays, have plenty of time think about things and well I’ve got nothing else to say to myself besides “I’m Gay”. I have to say I cried just a little over the last few weeks while thinking about it. On the other hand, it just gives me butterflies in my stomach and makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside just to think it, let alone say it. So, I have told 3 friends so far. Kind of got the same response from each of them “YEAH! I know, was wondering when you were going to coming out!” – that’s been nice to hear.
Anyways, looking forward to getting on with this journey!

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