Coming Out

I always knew I was different someway
Was told to keep my mouth shut to keep the bullies at bay
First it was the name calling,
The language was vulgar and appalling
Then came the fights,
To them, I had no rights
This is what life at school was like;
Bullied and blamed and called a fat dyke.

I moved onto college and made new pals,
I had no more time for bullies and rows;
I began to live my life to the full
With people I loved, I joined LMO's and all,
A place at last where I could be just me
To make new friends and feel as safe as can be;
This is where I met the love of my life,
Someone to hold and talk over all the strife.

This is where my real life began
Someone I wasn't ashamed to walk down the street with holding hands;
Yes, we get looks and comments our way
Maybe they'll understand about sexuality one day,
Lesbians we are and proud to be
'F..k what others say' - this is reality.

By K.T.

My coming out story

I remember being on holiday in Malta at the time. My mum said she had something to ask me, her words were "Are you a lesbian?". This is when I came out to her. She didn't say much apart from "It's a phase you are going through."

That was 7 years ago and thankfully I hope she finally understands that this 'phase' is going to last forever. Yes, it was an awful thing to do, and the hardest thing I've ever had to tell anyone, but I did it and I'm glad I did.

I know in a way I have let my mum down. She doesn't like to tell her friends as she is ashamed of what they might say. My brother was also very homophobic to me, making comments all the time and putting me down in front of other family members. I got a lot of abuse especially from those who were closest to me.

No words can describe the feelings that were going through my head back then. But it was all down to all the abuse and bullying that made me the strong person I am today. LMO played a huge part in my life. Shar and Lynne are great. They always listen when I have a problem. LMO gave me the confidence to come out and be me.

By K.T.