i’m Daniel. 21. gay
took this photo during one of the worst nights of my life.
didn’t plan to post it.
but i think someone needs to see this.
i came out and lost almost everyone. and for a long time i thought something was wrong with me. like i was too much. too honest. too real.
but here’s what i know now.
the people i lost, they didn’t leave because of who i am. they left because they only loved who they thought i was.
and that’s not love. that’s just comfort.
i spent years letting people decide my worth. letting them keep me on “maybe later” while i just waited like that was normal.
never again.
i want a quiet life now. real people. no shrinking myself so someone else stays comfortable.
i didn’t lose my people when i came out.
i just finally saw them clearly.