In a quiet corner of Midwestern America, the echoes of youth lingered in the air like whispers carried on the wind. For many, this landscape represented simplicity; for one boy, however, it was a canvas splashed with longing and curiosity. Growing up in Maplewood—the quintessential small town—Shane had always felt different, as if his life…

Growing Up in a Straight World From the age of twelve, I sensed I was different from my classmates in elementary school—maybe even earlier. When does one truly become aware of their sexuality? Honestly, I’m still trying to figure it out. Living in the Danish countryside taught me that being gay was wrong, disgusting, and…

This is a story from an anonymous reader about their journey with alcohol and drugs from a young age and how they found their way through the darkness with the help of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). “I started drinking and using drugs when I was around 16. At that time, I didn’t fully grasp why; it…

Everyone’s coming out story is unique. For some, it’s as simple as a quick chat with family. For others, it feels like climbing a mountain barefoot. And while some stories may be cocoa-like bitter, they can transform into sweet chocolates when shared. Here are a few first-time coming out experiences: “I was 19.It was a…

DisclaimerExclamation marks represent personal stories within question marks. Alternatively, I could’ve called them “Stories that made us or broke us.” This tale unfolds years ago in a small village in northern Greece. I’ll do my best to stay true to the original and share everything I remember. Let’s start with a cute oneComing out can…

I was deep in sleep when my mum gently woke me up. Tears streamed down her face, and she looked bewildered. “Come to the living room, please. I don’t want to wake your brother.” There’s never a perfect moment for someone to discover you’re LGBT. And there’s no completely wrong time, either. People are seldom…