I have planned on letting you know for some time, if don't know yet. For many years there has been something that I have wanted to tell all of you. You may be asking yourself why I chose to write this here instead of telling you all in person. Well, I'm not real sure. I would have liked to tell you personally, but I get too nervous. I wanted to express some of my feelings without being interrupted. My intent is to chat with each and every one of you about your questions and concerns. It took me years to get to this point, so I don't expect you to jump too high to immediately support me in this decision to tell you the following:

Over the years I have been involved in many activities. I have been active in my religion, my schooling, my family, and my social activities with my friends. I have been deeply troubled for many years thinking that this would all change if anyone found out my deepest secret. As far back as elementary school, I have had a same-sex attraction towards men. I wanted to feel like my other friends. I wanted to be attracted to the girls instead of the boys. In striving to become a better person, I cannot live with this lie any longer. It is unhealthy.

Over the years it has hurt me terribly that I haven't been able to share this part of my life with you. I realized something not too long ago. I cannot hurt you by expressing to you in words that I am gay.

If you are hurt by this, it will be your choice. I know that you are not trying to hurt me because you had no idea. When the questions of marriage and dating come up, it's just too hard to deal with. I find myself making the choice in the future of either telling you how I feel or distancing myself from you. I cannot avoid my family nor my friends. You mean too much to me. This is not something that you can talk yourself out of. I did not choose this. I am this. Think about it. Being gay is not a popular thing. Why would someone choose to be this persecuted? I will still live a happy and successful life.