Thoughts on Coming Out and Bullying

So, I wrote this song a couple of years ago and one day I hope to put it into a musical. A musical about different people. Fat people, gay people, straight people, tall people, short people, purple people, etc. The message is this: you don't have to explain or justify who you are. You are who you are and you should be proud of it.

The tune is titled, "I Don't Have to Explain Myself". (Copyright 2008) Here are some lyrics:

I don't have to explain myself.

I don't have to think like anybody else!

I and me, and me and myself,

don't have to be like anybody else!

I tend to go a little manic

'cause people like you make me panic, Panic, PANIC!!!

So, sit down and listen to me

for I am my own being!

Isn't that empowering? You are your own being...strong and true to you! You do not need approval nor do you need to keep a secret or feel you are holding back. You can hold back or let go as much or as little as you want. It is your choice! You should be saying, "I am free and happy to be me!"

You know, I think it is great for someone come "out of the closet", but just know that you don't have to prove yourself to anyone but yourself. You are who you are and you should be proud of it. It's not even necessary for you to tell everyone that you are "coming out"...it really is none of their business. If you think it will help you to tell them, then do it. If it will make you feel better then just do it, but don't do it because you think you have to.

Your life is your life, and you have to be strong and keep what you want to yourself. You have a RIGHT to privacy as well as a right to render all of your privacy to the public. The choice is yours...just remember to never look down on yourself and be a person of good will.

Ask yourself questions:  Why am I doing this?  What are my reasons?  Is this going to bring positive things into my life?  Will I feel better about myself?

When it comes down to it.  It truly is up to you and no one else.

So, I have given my initial starting point here and I would like some input on what you think. I am interested to know what types of questions or insecurities people have about coming out. This is kind of a project I guess you can say, and I am interested in hearing some feedback. As I do, I will try to edit and add to this blog. Of course, my main point has been said, and that is that everyone has the right to share or not to share without fear. I do understand there are circumstances where it may be hard, and I'd like to hear about anything you might want to know or experiences that have helped you.

My heart was crushed when I found out about that boy who committed suicide recently. I believe his name was Tyler Clementi. Anyhow, this became a large mainstream story, and I hope that rather than scare people, that it would awaken the world to what is going on behind closed doors. Not just harassment to gay persons, but also the relentless bullying and sexual advances that are made and just not taken care of. Unfortuanately, these types of suicides happen quite frequently (on a national level) and we need to stand up and offer encouragement to those who are in difficult positions for the simple fact that they are different. They need to know that it is okay to be different and that they are a specially and needed part of society. They need this message! Everyone needs this message.

This project is a lot bigger than this blog...believe me. I currently have a great idea for a book and a musical to accompany the story. This story, however, will have a happy ending. There will be challenges and things to overcome, but I think it is important to get across to those who are suffering is that they are loved and they should stand up for where their hearts are, and stand up for who they are. They shouldn't give up on their dreams because they can truly accomplish anything that they set their minds to.

Thing WILL get better!  :)

And that is my mission...I guess you can say...to spread that message to those who need it and to those who are the abusers as well. Help and heal. Give love and never give up!