I come from a farming family, and it was clear I didn’t fit into what some people expected of me.
I remember feeling forced to do stereotypical male things, like riding motorbikes and working in a shed.
The thing is, I actually like riding motorbikes.
It was just tiring having to do it for someone else. Like I was performing.
I came out right before I started high school … deep breath.
I screamed: “Mum, I’m gay!” from my bedroom so I wouldn’t have to see her face.
Mum yelled back: “I love you, do you want to talk about it?”
I was scared, but a few days later we talked.
Mum said: “I love you no matter what” and that was everything I needed to hear.
I felt loved and seen for who I am.
Now we have an amazing relationship and she’s the best mum I could have asked for.
In primary school, I’d see kids bully each other for something as simple as dressing or walking a certain way.
There’s so many things they’d pick on, and it was painful to keep track.
I felt like I had to hide.
I had a lot of built-up rage going into high school, and I was asked to see a counsellor.
I didn’t think it would help, but it did.
I want to be safe to be around.
I’m learning not to care what other people think about me.
What I think about me is what matters and I think I’m a kind, smart and supportive person.
Things aren’t always going to be easy, one of the most important things is that you know who you should be around and who is going to support you.
I’m different, and that’s the greatest gift.