I first realized that I was seeing girls in a different way than my friends were, when I was about twelve - thirteen years old.  When I was fourteen, I labelled myself off as bisexual - as I thought that I was still interested in guys, too.  I was going through a depression, and I made a best friend - who became my girlfriend.  She helped me through my depression, and I'll forever be thankful that she was there for me through all of that insanity.

I came out to my Mom - who was completely accepting.  My siblings were supportive as well.  And when I turned sixteen, I dropped the bisexual title, and switched it over to lesbian.  

I am now twenty years old.  I have had a few girlfriends since I was fourteen, but I'm currently living the single life.  I am not the girl that I used to be.  I was weak, and insecure.  Now I'm strong, and have some confidence.  I let people walk all over me in the past, and now I've removed those people from my life, and I'm not afraid of defending myself.

My Mom is as supportive as ever, and so are my siblings.

But that doesn't mean that my life is picture perfect.

SINNER.
DISGUSTING.
BAD.
WRONG.
FAG[GOT].
DYKE.

I DON'T MIND THAT YOU'RE A LESBIAN...AS LONG AS YOU DON'T HIT ON ME.

YOU'LL ROT IN HELL.

I WOULD HATE IT IF I SAW YOU IN HEAVEN.  HAVE FUN BURNING.

IT'S A CHOICE.

...These are things that have been said to me.

Because I'm a lesbian.

Because people assume that;

Because I'm a lesbian, I hit on every girl in sight.

Because being a lesbian, means that I'm only hooking up with other women, for sex.

Because being a lesbian means that I can't have an actual relationship.


People hate me for something that I cannot change.

People hate me...

Because I love.


I have something to say to these people;

You should respect the fact that everyone is different.  We all have different beliefs, and opinions...

I can respect the fact that maybe you don't agree with the fact, that I happen to be a lesbian.  That's fine.

However.  

Shoving your beliefs down the throats of other people, harassing them, insulting them, telling them that they're disgusting, pushing them (metaphorically, and/or physically)...

None of that is okay.

When you push people like that, in such a negative way...You're adding on to the burdens that they're already carrying on their shoulders.  Everyone is on their own journey, in life.  We all have hardships to face, and things to overcome.  And you don't know what they may be going through in life...

So why are you pushing them?

Their love lives do not affect you.  And bullying is bullying, no matter what you try to defend your words/actions with.

There are young people everywhere, who are killing themselves - literally.

Because they've been bullied, for loving.

And it needs to stop.


And now my message to all of you out there, who are members of the LGBT community - and this includes everyone.  
Homosexuals, Bisexuals, Transexuals, Intersexuals, Pansexuals, and everyone else, as I know that this a long list.  All of you.

Stay strong.  Don't be afraid of leaning on members of the LGBT, because we will be here for you, and we will love you.

Because you are beautiful, and perfect, just the way you are.

There is nothing wrong with you.  And don't let anyone try to convince you otherwise.

And I know that maybe things are difficult right now...But just remember;

IT GETS BETTER.