I've got a confession to make....

[yoda_four]

I'm 14, I'm a guy, and I'm gay.

You wouldn't believe how hard this is to admit to not only myself, and all you here at UD. This is my first time I've told anyone at all about my true sexual orientation. Not having many true friends (merely acquaintances at school), and a very odd close-knit family, you all have become rather "cyber friends" I have slowly found myself getting attached to. Now, I may not respond to every topic here, but I'm sure I have made some kind of bond to this Forum and it's members; more so than MooLifeJuice or FraggleRockin or anyone else who hasn't ever posted here.

I also know many people have a biased towards gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and trans-genders. We are, as Michael Moore has once said, the last of the minorities not yet acknowledged by government (compared to blacks, natives, the poor, etc.). I've read tons about how parents react to their gay kids "coming out" and how many learn to change their views on GLBTs and accept them for who they are.

I hope you all will as well accept me for who I am. That you as well may change your possible negative views towards GLBTs. Just because I've told you this, dowsn't mean I'm any different from who I was before. Same old Paul. Please do not stop posting because a gay is here; and do not stop posting because I talk/respond to you or your topic. I do not wish to receive PM attacks for who I am.

I am not effeminate, the one that stands out in the crowd as being gay. I do not get pedicures and or dress in drag (for God's sake, I'm only 14!) I'm just a normal guy, who happens to be attracted to other guys.

This is a big step for me, believe it or not. I hope you all will accept me, and other GLBTs foro who they are. We can all stop discrimination against people who are different from yourself. Perhaps you will stand up for the other gays whilst they are being attacked in schools; or not stare whilst a transgendered female walks down the street.

Out of the nearly 1000 members here, there must be about 100 other gays around (although many of those 1000 aren't really "regulars" so to speak), following the "1 in every 10" gay rule. I really hope I'm the first to say I'm gay here, so that it actually makes a difference.

I just checked out some older topics about homosexuality, and I do not wish for this thread to become consumed with "Ewww, gross. It's wrong. My copy of the Holy Bible says it's wrong". Being an atheist (though active in Zen Buddhism and yoga for relaxation), I must look at the scientific aspect of everything; as I do not believe in God. Just as no one knows for sure how we and the universe was created; no scientist has yet to figure out why a person is "gay". The only conclusion I have come to is: I did not choose to be this way. I have heard there are many verses in the Bible that support gays, while there are many that don't. Isn't it possible that transcribers over the hundreds of years have wrote in pieces here and there, their own biased opinions. Why would it be that God, if he exists, would not want gays to exist; if he in fact created them. And not just it humans, but even in animals (as numerous studies have shown).

This has been a very difficult time in my life. You all know how hard being a teenager is. Grades, Family, Friends, Sex; your place in this world. There are the jocks, goths, sluts, skaters, geeks, outcasts. But to add to that, not knowing why you feel different from the mainstream world we live in. It's a very difficult time for every teen; but imagine how much more difficult it is when you're questioning you sexual orientation.

There is no such thing as a perfect world. There will always be discrimination against others. But, then, why do they say, "Diversity is the spice of life"? Life on earth isn't wonderful, but you can help to make it a better place for all sorts of minorities.

I hope you will all support me thru this process of "coming out" to the world, and that you will in turn support other GLBTs you know.

[MickeyMouseboy]

That took alot of courage Paul But you shouldn't feel like you should feel different I'm sure that's what luke and everyone would say. Just because you have a different sexual preference doesn't mean your not part of the UD family. I myself welcome anyone that likes Disney no matter race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, etc. We have alot of variety in this forum! If you have any problems just contact Luke. You shouldnt feel ackward or put up with any racist remarks if you get any. I think this forum has mature people (except one i have in mind.) anyways Glad to have you as part of the Forum!

[AwallaceUNC]

Paul- I've enjoyed posting with you quite a bit for some time now, and plan to continue on with that. Don't feel out of place- or in the place of judgment at all. You probably know my views on homosexuality, but they are the same as with everything that I consider to be a sin... they are just that, sins. We all sin, we are all sinners. I am very bothered by the eagerness of many self-professed Christians to single out homosexuality as somehow being an uber sin. I realize that it's a lifestyle rather than an action, but I think that's true with many things.

Don't look for me to support the GLBT movement anytime soon, lol, but my views on you or our interaction here hasn't changed in the slightest. I hope that is the case for the other members here as well, and believe that it will be.

I'm sure you are having a difficult time. I know you don't believe in God, but He believes in you, so a big "God bless" nonetheless. I'll pray for you in what apparently is not an easy time for you right now.

-Aaron

[Disney Guru]

Hey Man. Their is no problem with me. Here on UltimateDisney we are just one big UD Family. And nomatter what you are isn't going to change that. You are a Great Guy and their is no reason to be ashamed or anything. We are all different. But that doesn't mean that we can't be friends. You have a lot of guts Dude, to come onto the forum and say what you just said. I congragulate you dude. For what you just said! You are a great guy. And just keep that way.

[TheZue]

Just wanted to add my support. You'll probably find that things will get easier the more that you are true to yourself A have a high school friend who came out a few years ago and she's been much happier now that it's just out there; now she doesn't have to worry about people finding out.

[MickeyMousePal]

No big deal that you are gay that doesn't make you less then a person.
Welcome to the big UD family where you can believe in what you want to believe in. I just want to give you more support because now days people are againts gays but it's not a religion its more of love and feelings for other people.

Just keep your head up!!!

[Loomis]

Well yoda - that took a fair bit of courage. As you say, it is tough at 14 to know what you want, let alone be able to state your sexual preference in front of a group of "strangers".

And that's the beauty of the internet - no judgment. We fight, squabble like children at times, obsess over inserts and go off the rails more often than not, but in the end it doesn't really matter what your sexual preference or skin colour or gender is - everybody here is equal.

If people react badly - here or in your priavte life - that is their problem and not yours. You don't have to justify this in terms of what others think, what the bible thinks or even what we think. You've taken the big steps here, and anyone who cares will understand that.

Good on you, Matt.

[Todd_star]

That`s so cool!! You should be very proud of yourself to admit
it to yourself at an so early age! We are all equal, gay or straight,
you are a very brave man!
I am also gay and are proud of it!
When you are starting to get out to your family, friends etc
you will notice how supporting they will be and all the positivity!
You also will experience some negative things, just ignore it and lift
your head up and be proud of who you are!

[Ballzo]

You Go Boy! YodaFour is the man!

[karlsen]

I have not much experience with this myself since I have not grown up with a sexual preferance that are not the same as "everybody else" but I understand that it must be hard.

Although I don't agree with all that you wrote in your message I do hope that nobody makes any posts here arguing for or against this. It is such a personal battle that you are fighting so everybody here should (and it looks like they are already) support you and not make any bad posts because of it.

You are so young, so I bet that there are lots for you to still figure out. I know that I was not at that age. The most important thing for you now is to have contact with people that have experienced the same as you are now so you can get suport from them.

I will send you a PM so please read that one.

[PatrickvD]

wow that took a lot of courage. I live in Holland so the issue isnt really a big deal here, but I can imagine you must be going through a tough time now. Just ignore the negative reactions from people and be proud of who you are!

[AwallaceUNC]

Karlsen & Ballzo! It doesn't seem like you have been around quite as much lately! Especially you, Karlsen.

Karlsen you make a good point. 14 seems so young for something so definitive. That's got to be a really tough experience. Not only is that such a turbulent time, but it really sparks the onset of a short period of years in which so much changes, personally, in so little time. I realize that at the ripe age of 18, I'm not exactly an elder, lol, but to have been only 5 years ago, it seems like I was a different person in a different time. I'm sure it's gotta be tough, Paul.

-Aaron

[Disneykid]

Like everyone has said, that's very brave of you to come out like that. Although I'll admit that homosexuality is against my beliefs, you don't have to worry at all about my treating you differently because like Aaron said, we're all sinners. We're all the same. Being gay is simply another aspect of you that we'll accept. I'm sure most of the other members here will feel the same way. I really admire you for being so upfront about it at such an age and not waiting till you're like 40 to "come out of the closet."

[Lumiere]

don't worry we are all equals!

if you like disney you are part of the ULTIMATE DISNEY family!!!!! ,

[yoda_four]

Thank you all for your wonderous support! It makes me feel so much better having spoken about this and not being pelted with rocks for being who I am. Even those of you, like Aaron and Kelvin, who are quite religious, still accept me (to a degree i suppose). Thank you everyone, and it gives me a lot of hope towards telling my folks and friends in time.

[Disney Guru]

I am also quite religious. And my religion, doesn't support Homosexuals. But I see no problem with people who are, everybody is different. And we are all 1 big happy, UltimateDisney amily. We will always welcome you, on the site. You are a great friend dude.

[Maerj]

Paul-

You have a DVD player, love Disney and have a Revenge of the Sith avatar... you're okay by me!

[Loomis]

Thank you all for your wonderous support! It makes me feel so much better having spoken about this and not being pelted with rocks for being who I am. Even those of you, like Aaron and Kelvin, who are quite religious, still accept me (to a degree i suppose). Thank you everyone, and it gives me a lot of hope towards telling my folks and friends in time.

Even if we had pelted you with rocks, which we couldn't really , it doesn't really matter what we think. The most important thing is that YOU know who you are, which is more than can be said for some people twice, three times, or even four times your age.

However, it is nice to see so many people being supportive here. It is a credit to the board as much as it is to you.

Best wishes

[AwallaceUNC]

But I think this raises a very important point... a rock-pelting emoticon is very much needed.

-Aaron

[MickeyMouseboy]

it doesn't really matter what we think. The most important thing is that YOU know who you are, which is more than can be said for some people twice, three times, or even four times your age.

That was very moving