Jerrod, age 5
Little Rock, Arkansas (1983)
My female cousin received a makeup kit for Christmas, and I was blown away by the possibilities. Somehow I instinctively knew red was my color, and nothing matches red lipstick better than red blush (which, of course, was also the lipstick).
We had a blast until our parents saw us. They waited long enough to take a photo before yelling at us and making me take the makeup off. I complied, felt guilty, and thought:
'Why was it OK for my cousin, but not for me?'
I knew I liked men at age 4. I got a birthday gift in Batman and Robin wrapping paper and I couldn’t keep my eyes off of Robin’s legs.
I knew I liked men at age 4. I got a birthday gift in Batman and Robin wrapping paper and I couldn’t keep my eyes off of Robin’s legs.
I didn’t know what I felt, but that didn’t matter -- Robin's legs were hot.
When I came out at age 15, my parents were shocked. I thought the whole world knew. Growing up gay for me was not the struggle it was for many. I never got beat up, but I was scared a lot. My experiences in school led me to my current career as a high school administrator. I taught for a many years, but wanted to reach out to kids even more.
As a school administrator, I can affect thousands of children throughout my career, and let each one know that they are unique, and they are loved. And that even if it's just me, they have an adult on their side who will do everything in his power to protect them.
When I came out at age 15, my parents were shocked. I thought the whole world knew. Growing up gay for me was not the struggle it was for many. I never got beat up, but I was scared a lot. My experiences in school led me to my current career as a high school administrator. I taught for a many years, but wanted to reach out to kids even more.
As a school administrator, I can affect thousands of children throughout my career, and let each one know that they are unique, and they are loved. And that even if it's just me, they have an adult on their side who will do everything in his power to protect them.
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