I really admire what you’re doing.

I’m from Southern Africa. I’m 20 years old and I’m a working student. My story is fairly boring if I’m honest. But I think it’s good to share. I’ve spent a good amount of time reading some of others’ stories, so I was moved to submit mine.

I don’t remember exactly what age I was when I came out. It wasn’t a good time in my life and for a long time I was not okay. To be safe I’d say I was between 14 and 16.

I remember the day though, I sat with my mother in her office along with my older sister. My sister asked me a direct question, and I answered honestly. That pretty much wraps up my coming out.

My mother, being a devout Christian, paired with her self righteous attitude in life – decided she didn’t like my “decision” as it is called still to this day. She wanted to send me to doctors for blood testing. She did force me to see a psychologist, whom I subsequently befriended.

Since then it’s been a roller coaster ride with my mum, she openly resents me for being homosexual and regularly reminds me of how much God detests me for it.

Of course I’m doing much better since I came out. I’ve grown since, and matured into someone I am really proud to be.

My father on the other hand, took my coming out beautifully. He sat me down and apologized for every gay joke he’d ever made. He told me he loves me all the same. Sadly, he is a push over and bent under my mother’s iron fist.

So apart from the bullying in school, that’s all the negative over. Now for some positive.

In 2011, I re-met with a friend I knew from when I was 9 years old. Funny story really, we didn’t like each other when we were kids. We shared a best friend and there was some playground rivalry.

After falling in love, I put this poor guy through a year (or so) of indecision and emotional torture. Through which he persevered and waited for me, eventually he won me over.

He is the most kind hearted person you’d meet. We have the same goals and ambitions as well as morals. I’ve never been treated with this kind of respect in a relationship.

It’s been a crazy ride, but since having him in my life, I’ve felt more love than any of the bitterness, resentment and self-loathing that I knew so well before. It hasn’t been easy, but it won’t be, and it’s worth it – because it’s love.