African Seafarer Diary: Accepting my Truth

Is Being Gay a Crime?

I am one of many young south African gay lads in my early 20's. After spending my entire teenage hood afraid of being my self and expressing my feelings. Neither because I felt it was wrong and hence I was a mistake. I was always worried about everyone around me; my parents, my friends and family. questions like

'What will they say, What if?'

Ruled my world day in-day out. Yes it was painful. it even harder when your own family or friends are so homophobic.

However, I always believed that my parents will accept me and sometimes I was convinced they probably know already.

You are surely wondering how did I make it out of this dark place??

1. Watching LGBTQI + Movies

Watching LGBTQI related movies did not only help me gain courage to come out but also challenged my perception about being gay. why is straight the default? straight people need to come out too.

Love Simon,

Released in 2018, the best gay film that I have watched this year. it is very true and relatable. This film encouraged me to believe in my truth and rights to live and express my self openly as a young gay man.

Pose

This is a dance related show, starring Billy Porter. It is very entertaining and just shows the beautiful, challenging and extravagant side of the culture. Very interesting to watch.

2. Making Gay Friends

Meeting different people and relating our stories together made me even more confident about my self, what I wear and how I conduct my self apologetically.

Gay dating Apps

This is one of the easiest ways to make gay friends or partners. It is one click away.

3. Accepting 'Who are You'

When it all said and done, it is up to you to accept and love yourself for who you really are. Then everybody else will do the same.

4. Coming out of the Closet

This is the most difficult part but also the easiest, my coming out was never serious because I stopped worrying about 'what will they say' or 'what are they going to think of me'.

I put my self and my own happiness first. Being in a closet can close many opportunities and blessings for you. Because God blessed us differently and your blessing and talent will be better revealed and utilised when you live life being your 100% self.

There are so many ways of coming out, it depend on what you value in life. I thought my coming out should be special and beneficial to me, So I created a Youtube Channel. My intention was to do Vlogging channel where people get to really see my personality. I also used catchy titles to attract viewers and that was the happiest moment of my life.

I hope you enjoyed this article and you find courage to live your happy life. Please share your stories in the comment section below. Love you Xoxo.

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