It’s been a while since I’ve written. I don’t have time for a lengthy post. However, November marks the 1 year anniversary of this project and I feel that I must leave you with some thoughts.
As a teenager coming out and braving an unknown world I thought I was in love. His name is Scott, he isn’t Jewish and until today he remains one of the most influential people I have ever interacted with. I haven’t spoken to him in over half a decade. We only met in person once after communicating online for a while (this occurred during the pre-Gchat days of myspace and AOL instant messaging). What made our evening, which was not a date, so powerful was how calm and reassured he made me feel.
I was a scared, hormonal teenager with an uncertain future. I alienated my Jewish friends, was on bad terms with my parents and did not have anyone to counsel me or offer me guidance or advice. He did all that. We met in a coffee shop, chatted for a while and then went to a concert. We spoke about my depression, religion and art. Scott told me that with a positive attitude I could do anything. I believed him and to this day his words of wisdom guide me through the most challenging of days. At the end of the evening he gave me a ride home and I have not seen him since.
This brings me to the following point: how can you support a friend, or a practical stranger, who is struggling with their sexuality? By being yourself. By recognizing their challenge and meeting it with a calm, unfaltering sense of warmth that does not place them into the category of “other.” With a positive attitude you can do anything. If you allow that positivity to permeate the conversation you have with your friend you will reassure them as I was reassured.
Happy Anniversary.
*minor grammatical edit at 16:30 on 17-11-11.
*minor grammatical edit at 16:30 on 17-11-11.
I really liked this post. I wish I had had a Scott when I was a teenager. Hopefully I can be a "Scott" to some weary young soul.
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