Nathan

Nathan, age 12
Springfield, Missouri (1994)

I remember when I was younger being bullied and teased. I felt differently than other boys at around the age of 6 or so. And I started to get bullied when I was finishing up my elementary years in the 5th grade.

I came out to a group of my closest friends at age 9.

And during middle school, I would get pushed into lockers and walls.

I did not always have a support system. But when I finally formed one with my friends and teachers, I was much happier and I saw less harassment and bullying.

My advice to all the young and new generation of LGBT youth is:
Keep your head up. Other people have the same, if not worse, things going on.

What makes me most proud now is being openly gay and being accepted by my neighbors and friends.

Today, I'm still am single at the age of 23.
But for now, I will concentrate on work and furthering my education.
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Click here - "Born This Way: Real Stories of Growing Up Gay" book
Click here - "My First Gay Crush Blog"
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Nathan

Nathan, age 7

Saint Paris, OH (1992)

Here I am, 7-years old at the County Fair, and throwing some shade to the camera. I grew up on a farm in rural Ohio.

I always knew I was different. I always loved playing with my sister's Barbies,
My Little Pony, and Rainbow Brite dolls.

I remember being teased and taunted for being gay, before I even really knew what being gay meant.

Back then, I loved dancing to Michael Jackson.
And now, this picture makes me smile : )

Nathan's first, famous-person same sex crush:

Cary Elwes (in "The Princess Bride")

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Nathan

"Oh stop it, you're making me blush!"

Nathan, age 3
Arcadia, CA (1995)

That's me on the left with a family friend. My parents tease me about this picture. Not because of my sissy pose or the gaudy floral wallpaper, but because of my haircut. I'd groomed myself with some child safety scissors.

Don't be fooled, my shyness is really a mask of false modesty. Growing up, I was showered with praise – the trophy son and envy of every mother.

I was the sweet, skinny boy who got along with just about everyone. Compliments and adoration were commonplace.

I knew I was gay at 13 after I saw two men making out in public. To my 13-year-old eyes, it was the hottest, most mind-blowing thing I had ever seen. From that day forward, I wanted nothing more than to be an openly gay man.

Now, I'm a 19-year-old college kid and out to everyone in my life. The support of my younger sister, parents, and best friend give me the strength to be proud of who I am.

Life is rough once in a while, but it gets better every day.

Nathan's first, famous-person same sex crush:

James Franco