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...and as a lesbian who survived, let me say:
It gets better. You'll hear people telling you that this is the time of your life, and when you look back, you'll miss it so much. They're full of shit. Those are the people whose lives did peak in high school, and if you're reading this, you're probably not one of them.
It gets better. When you look back, dear reader, you'll do so with a pang of not longing, but relief. You survived the teenage years. It's not easy, I won't lie. When I was in high school, not a day went by that I didn't think about suicide. I was bullied by teachers and student's alike, and worse, I knew deep down in my heart that I was different.
It was a long time before I came to realize that different isn't a synonym for 'worse'.
Because it does get better.
Now, I live how I want to, and after years as an outcast, I found my 'people,' in fandom. I have a beautiful wife, who I love with everything I am. And I have a job that I enjoy, with people who respect me. It's not perfect, but it's mine. And if I hadn't fought my way through it, I wouldn't have had any of it.
Your life will change SO much over the next few years, that you won't recognize where you started. But that only happens if you let it. There are people who will help you if you need it. Ask them. It's probably the hardest thing to do in the world--to ask for help, but you need to be brave. Let them know that you need them, and they will be there for you.
The world is full of assholes and bullies. But it's also full of people who want to help, and who will do the right thing. And on the days when you can't see past the pain, let them tell you...
It gets better.
It gets better. You'll hear people telling you that this is the time of your life, and when you look back, you'll miss it so much. They're full of shit. Those are the people whose lives did peak in high school, and if you're reading this, you're probably not one of them.
It gets better. When you look back, dear reader, you'll do so with a pang of not longing, but relief. You survived the teenage years. It's not easy, I won't lie. When I was in high school, not a day went by that I didn't think about suicide. I was bullied by teachers and student's alike, and worse, I knew deep down in my heart that I was different.
It was a long time before I came to realize that different isn't a synonym for 'worse'.
Because it does get better.
Now, I live how I want to, and after years as an outcast, I found my 'people,' in fandom. I have a beautiful wife, who I love with everything I am. And I have a job that I enjoy, with people who respect me. It's not perfect, but it's mine. And if I hadn't fought my way through it, I wouldn't have had any of it.
Your life will change SO much over the next few years, that you won't recognize where you started. But that only happens if you let it. There are people who will help you if you need it. Ask them. It's probably the hardest thing to do in the world--to ask for help, but you need to be brave. Let them know that you need them, and they will be there for you.
The world is full of assholes and bullies. But it's also full of people who want to help, and who will do the right thing. And on the days when you can't see past the pain, let them tell you...
It gets better.
