As a queer person, I grew up in a conservative society where LGBTQIA+ people don’t feel safe to be as outspoken and proud as they should be. We are mostly tolerated, but we keep things quiet so as not to attract the ire of those who oppose social change.
When I left my hometown to attend college, I discovered a new environment in which the people and community were more open, celebratory, and emancipated towards sexuality. I met several LGBTQIA+ people who were open about their personal experiences with sexuality and gender. Many straight folks were also convinced LGBTQIA+ supporters, who worked to make the community a safe place for everybody.
This appears to be nothing new—our society is gradually evolving to become more inclusive and accepting. My hometown was just trailing behind (as it often happens with small and more homogeneous populations), but I’m confident it will catch up soon.
Even though I see a bright future ahead for the LGTBQ+ community, there are occasions when I feel a twinge of sorrow for my younger self, a bittersweet feeling. That is, as a gay person, I could have met other people and lived experiences with which I could have identified if only my city had been more aware of LGBTQIA+ culture. Sometimes, I also feel like I’m not “queer” enough, since I don’t grasp certain gay and queer allusions, or haven’t attended any large LGBTQIA+ celebratory events.
So, if I could go back in time, these are the things what I would like to do to achieve the “whole adolescent gay experience.”