My sexual orientation is about as important to my overall self esteem as my hair color or shoe size.
About three months ago I was promoted to a new position within my company. I've been "out" since I was 19, and although I've never actively "come out" at this job, I've never gone to any lengths to hide it either. Tonight was the first time anyone even mentioned my sexual orientation, and it was in such a casual way as to be negligible. My employers are looking at the bottom line and as long as I'm delivering, they don't care if I'm straight, gay or Martian.
I live in a fairly Conservative area, but I'm readily accepted into just about any social circle I choose to move in regardless of my socio-economic standing or political beliefs because I'm genuine, I'm honest and I'm fun to be around. Because of these qualities, I count among my friends former homophobes, Republicans, Christians, and all manner of people who aren't supposed to like me. I made a difference in their lives and in their thoughts and that's something they will carry with them, be it to the polls or the church or even the gym. Being real and being honest will carry you farther than you might believe possible.
Being gay has sucked sometimes, but never more than I allowed it to. It all depends on the attitude with which you approach it. It can be a boon or a curse. It's all in what you make of it.
And no one grew into anything new, we just became the worst of what we were."
