Is it ok to be gay? Because that's all I've ever known.

I tell myself I can take the jokes.

That my skin is steel, but it's beginning to rust.

Now crumbling, leaving me bare, vulnerable, and susceptible harm.

An unruly sight they say, disgusting they say.

I see it too, the distorted reflection of self hatred seeping through every orifice.

But with a hand outstretched you tell me all you see is me.

So you tell me, is it ok to be gay?