I am gay.

 

Pay no attention!

 

My “kind” is common, I swear

 

I am not forced, but encouraged to stay hidden 

 

Because sexual orientation is not something of importance when people know you

 

“Hi, I’m Josh, and I’m gay! Now do you have the notes from last class? Thanks.”

 

Who I love is not important?

 

My parents mean well when they say that, I swear

 

But if who I love is not an important factor of my basic individual identity in which people need to know…

 

Then why are there those who have died for it? Have hurt for it?

 

Those who will bully, tease and even kill because of it when they find out?

 

Why must I refrain from gently introducing someone to my romantic preferences when they tell me that I will make a girl very happy someday?

 

Because it’s not their business?

 

Because they won’t be comfortable? 

 

See, I have an issue (I think) with the term “sexual orientation”

 

Because the very term itself includes the root word “sex”

 

And in our society, sex is a big deal

 

My parents do not fear that I could be targeted for who I love

 

They are more afraid of the judgment I will receive because of the gender of the person I choose to have sex with

 

Because our society dubs my “gayness” as my SEXUAL orientation

 

Not on the orientation of who I choose to romance and share my deepest affections with 

 

My parents must feel an insistent anxiety and fear for my well-being and treatment from people as close as family

 

To the point that they still love me and accept me for who I am

 

But do not speak about it to own my sister yet because she is still learning discretion when she speaks

 

Because I might not be prepared for everyone’s responses and reactions

 

Because I am gay

 

Because when I say I am gay, some people might think of the sexual aspect of my relationship with another man

 

Instead of thinking about nice dates and a mutual love and respect that we have for each other

 

Instead of accepting the information as it is and moving on 

 

Because people might say, “Oh Josh? He’s the gay kid in my class.”

 

Instead of, “Oh Josh? He’s a really great guy!”

 

I am hidden behind a curtain that matches the ones in the windows of so many homes around me

 

And I peek through it every day, encouraged to keep my curtain as it is.

 

So yes, I am Josh

 

And I am gay.

 

But I am also a friendly, talented, intelligent, ambitious young man.

 

I am a singer

 

I am a songwriter

 

I am an Honors student

 

I am a musician

 

I am a poet

 

I am a friend

 

I am a brother

 

I am a son

 

I am a cousin

 

I am a person

 

 

And I just so happen to like guys.