Chris and I at school today!
This is my best friend Geo and myself on Day of silence. She is the Kathy Griffin to my Anderson Cooper… meaning I am the calm, professional guy and she is a wild young lady who punches me and tries to steal my underwear… Yep Sounds like Kathy and Anderson to me lol
Man it was hard but you know what? We did it. We had a small crowd and we got a lot of looks, laughs, jokes and sneers, but we stood our ground. Happy Day of Silence my friends. <3 I dedicate today to Ryan <3
My best friend took this picture a few minutes ago and titled it “All the bitches want him”… I think she wants me =P
OK, One last picture of me for my lovely Anons. <3 I love you guys but my followers probably hate me blowing up their dash lol.
He would change everything, everything just ask him.
Caught in the in-between, a beautiful disaster,
He just needs someone to take him home.
This was me 10 months after Ryan’s suicide. The ribbon on my chest is purple.
“Think of your life as a book; you are the writer. Write your heart into every page, your love into every sentence, your smile into every period. Your tears, fears, dreams and hopes will be shown as the pages turn and come to a close. Only you can write the story of your life. When your novel flashes before your eyes in the end, make sure it is worth reading.”
- Richard Kenneth Brannon III
I am sick of hiding the truth, I am done keeping secrets and I am tired of putting my personal life to the side. I have always been told to be myself and to love myself, so that is what I plan on doing.
For 16 years, I have struggled with a secret. At times this secret has haunted and confused me, but it has made me into the open-minded person I am today. Though it has been tough, I have dealt with this the best way I could. I have recently learned that overtime; secrets come out, so today, I will do just that. Come out.
2 years ago, an ex of mine decided to “out” me and tell my schoolmates I am gay. Within weeks, my entire school knew my secret and I was forced to admit that I was in fact; homosexual. This was extremely difficult for me but I managed to keep this from some people including family members. Although I felt terrible, I knew it was the best thing for myself. The damage at school, however, was already done. Even 2 years later, not a day passes that I am not questioned, harassed or sneered by my peers but I have managed to pull through with the help of supportive friends.
I have decided, after much debate, to just come out completely and admit to those who are unaware of the truth that I am gay. Deciding this came about because hiding my sexuality has taken its toll on me. I have had to put my personal life on hold, avoid relationships and constantly hide my true feelings. I promised myself 2012 would be different and as the New Year approaches, I will make sure to keep that promise.
As long as I remember, I have been different. I never made a choice to be gay. Being homosexual was not something I wanted; in fact, for many years I tried to not only hide it from those around me, but to deny it from myself. I hoped that I was straight but just “confused” or “going through a phase” but I now know that is not the case.
Let me be clear, I want to be accepted by my friends and family but if you cannot accept me for who I am, then I ask you kindly walk away. This should not change your view or opinion of me but if it does, then so be it. I am still the same dorky, opinionated teenager I was last week, I still stand for my views and opinions as I have in the past, and I still hope to one day live out my dreams.
Thank You to all of those who have helped me along with this. It means so much to have the support and friendships that I do. I am so proud to have many of you in my life.
If anyone ever needs anyone to talk, please feel free to message me. I am always willing to help others especially those struggling with their sexuality, coming out or the difficulties after coming out. I know how this feels and I know it helps to have someone who will listen. Please remember I am here for you and it is true, it does get better!
“Today, as I come out, I want to reassure you that homosexuality is not a disease. You will not catch my gayness just as I will not catch your heterosexuality. My sexuality does not represent me as a whole, it just defines who I love. If you cannot accept that, then I take pitty on you, for your closed mind will lead you to a dark and stormy place while I am out living my dream!”
All the love and appreciation in the world,
Richard Kenneth Brannon III
