I have always been bookish, and my childhood summers were fueled by frequent trips to my local Barnes and Noble and watching Full House re-runs on ABC Family. Not a bad way to spend a summer.
Okay, okay... the Full House re-runs may be a tad questionable.
It was the summer before my freshman year of college, and during one of my routine trips to Barnes and Noble, I came across a book in the Teen Fiction section titled "Kissing Kate." I was immediately intrigued by both the title and the cover design. Upon reading the synopsis on the back cover, I realized that this was a book about a lesbian romance. I suddenly found myself becoming even more intrigued, and so I bought it. Little did I know, this book was the start of something big. I spent my entire high school career purchasing and rapidly reading any LGBT themed young adult novel that I could find. Through the aid of these books, I was able to come into the realization that I wasn't so different from the girls in these stories; and I took comfort in the fact that I wasn't alone. I gained the confidence to come out to my family during college because of the few, but brave stories that are out there on young LGBT romances. I am out and proud because of literature, and it's a beautiful thing.
So happy to know books inspired you to be your true self. What a powerful story!
First, thank you for sharing your coming out story to all of us. Your story will help so many more LGBT youth.
Secondly, I am glad books found you. They were the missing piece to your puzzle. Books were able to help you see that you were never alone. And they gave you a sense of wholeness because in that very moment, you discovered who you were always/never meant to be.
And finally, thanks again for sharing your story!