u/mikke_and_i

For a long time, I went through some of the most difficult periods of my life. One of the biggest struggles has been learning to accept myself as a gay man in a world that often hasn’t been kind, whether from family, so-called friends, colleagues, or even complete strangers.

There were moments where I felt isolated, misunderstood, bullied and honestly, exhausted from constantly trying to exist in spaces where I didn’t feel fully accepted.

But through all of this, I feel like something bigger than me has been quietly guiding me; call it spirituality, the universe, God, energy, or whatever resonates. It didn’t erase the pain, but it gave me strength to sit with it, to understand it, and slowly to transform it.

I’ve learned that acceptance doesn’t always come from others first. Sometimes it has to come from within, and from trusting that my existence, as I am, is not a mistake.

I’m still healing, still growing, but I can honestly say I’m in a much better place than I once was. And for that, I feel a deep gratitude, for the moments of peace, for the lessons, and for the quiet strength that kept me going when I didn’t think I could.

If anyone else is going through something similar, I just want to say: you’re not alone, and your existence is valid, even when the world makes you feel otherwise!! ❤️‍🩹❤️