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Why We Celebrate Coming Out
Surviving conversion therapy & coming out as gay is hard. It takes time, bravery & strength. But we do & we celebrate & honor the LGBTQ community!
I started to realize I might be gay at a fairly young age. I remember hiding under my covers at night, pleading with God for it to not be the case. Growing up in an extremely conservative Christian family in Texas I knew what “being gay” meant. It meant consequences.
Risk Eternal Salvation?
I didn’t want to lose my family, my friends, my church, and my eternal salvation. I wrestled with my faith and my sexuality and eventually shared my feelings with my family. I was put in conversion therapy the very next day. I was cut off from certain people and things that would potentially cause me to “stumble” or “relapse”. I also was not allowed to tell people what was going on.
Depression Sets In
In the beginning of therapy, I was so depressed and scared that I was willing to give it my best effort in hopes of changing and finding happiness. This did not happen. During that year I felt myself becoming more and more isolated, lost and voice of feeling than I ever had. Eventually I went off to college where I studied politics and religion. I wanted to discover for myself what I believed and who I wanted to be as a result. But I was still so terrified to come to terms with who I was and what it would mean.Finding Jessica, Finding Peace
It took three years before I truly allowed myself to be fully honest with those around me at school. But once I did, I found myself surrounded by individuals that supported me regardless of who I was or wasn’t and pushed me to think and feel with my soul and heart rather than my surroundings and bias. I eventually realized I can have my faith and love who I love and reconciled with the truth, my truth.
Since coming out life still has not always been easy. I wish I had a better relationship with my immediate family. I pray daily that one day I will. But I have experienced more love, friendship, and true community and happiness than I could have ever felt possible.
Coming Out is Hard!
Coming out is hard, it takes time, bravery, and strength. This is why we celebrate it and tell our stories as a testament to those before us who have paved the way. We also share our stories as a message to those who have yet to do so. For those not ready yet, you are loved, you are worthy, and when you are ready you will be welcomed.
#NationalComingOutDay
Jessica Ritter
I’m 26 years old from Dallas Texas. I went to college at a Rhodes College in Memphis where I double majored in political science and religious studies. I played golf there and won the National Championship in 2014. I currently live in Dallas Texas with my dogs Ralph and Leo.
Insta @jessicajritter | Twitter @jjritter_
🌈Visibility Matters
Help end #ConversionTherapy ⬇️
http://www.BornPerfect.org
Do you have a COMING OUT story that you want to share? We love collaborating with our fellow LGBTQ community! Get in touch with us to discuss how you can also become a guest contributor & share YOUR story & experience. You never know how your story may affect someone else who is struggling and just needs some encouragement and inspiration. Be that person.
