Growing up in Jamaica - a country where being gay will have you serving 10 years in prison with hard labour was not an easy journey. For the longest time, I found it quite difficult to be open and true to who I am. The ability to say "I am gay" out loud never seemed like a possibility for me because of my lived experiences which were mostly filled with trauma. I was told I would never amount to anything and was a stain on my family's name.
Today, I am truly grateful to be living in a country where I am accepted, appreciated, respected and loved by many; regardless of my sexuality. I am no longer ashamed or fearful and now I can advocate for individuals like myself. I feel safe and secure in my own skin and I’m finally living my truth and amounting to more than I could ever dream of being.
You have one life to live, always be true to who you are because at the end of the day only you are responsible for your own happiness. You are a gem who is loved and appreciated for who you are.