Gay youth today

As I sit and wonder why I often feel for today's gay youth, I realize that it takes me back to when I was that age, and I recall how difficult it was not having someone to talk to about the things I was feeling at that time in my life.

We've all been that age, but let's face it, we haven't all been gay. Being a teen, and having someone to talk to about gay issues is really difficult. Young girls have their mothers or even other girlfriends to share with, while young boys often turn to their dads or brothers. But if you're a gay teen, it's harder to find someone to identify with you and your feelings.

I'm not going to lie. I was just like any other young boy. I was a horny little bastard. But while my male friends were all talking about the girls they wanted to screw and my girlfriends were asking me if I thought certain guys were interested in them, it just didn't seem right for me to inquire as to whether or not I should be drooling over the bear I saw working at the mall (not that I knew what that was back then, but just to give you some clue).

What a lot of my friends now don't realize is that I wasn't always as loud and out as I am today. I was a pretty quiet teen, very relaxed, and very chill. While I was never attracted to anyone I went to school with (that would have been awkward), I did often see guys at the store, or the mall, or the movie theater that I conisdered attractive. It seems to me young gays are coming out so much sooner than back when I was a teen. I'm still not sure if this is a good thing or not.

Sometimes I look at the pros and cons of this. PRO: Being comfortable in your own skin shows a sense of individuality and self-strength. CON: Many kids coming out at such a young age are showing they can't handle this type of pressure, hence the "It Gets Better" campaign.

Personally, I'm glad I waited until I was a young adult and post high school to come out. I did it on my own terms, and I did it when I knew I was ready. I only wish I could get the word out to more young gay teens about how life will get better for them, and there's not need to rush out of the closet, until they feel a sense of comfort, and find someone they can trust to do so.