I’m From Pittsburgh, PA

by J. Priola

Satellite overhead image of Pennsylvania from Google Earth 2022

My story starts with one really lonely day at school when one of my classmates called me worthless. I sat there and saw all my friends watching as he put my self-esteem to -23. I went home and sat in the corner of my room and felt the worst I have ever felt in my life. I thought out my whole school life and I distanced myself from everyone. My mom got the worst of that. I really couldn’t explain why but I am pretty sure it has to do with me being afraid people would find out that I was gay.

Every day after that I was depressed almost like I was sleep walking. I watched this movie called “Shelter”, a gay love story, which made me so lonely. I really don’t know why but I just was. I did not have anyone to talk to about anything. As of now, I still don’t. I really don’t have much more to say except that I am getting better. I have had this teacher who gave me this quote: “If there is a meaning in life then there is a meaning in suffering.” I am going to college in 3 weeks and I am going to come out since I will have nothing to lose. Well, I really wish I realized this sooner but I never had anything to lose. So please don’t wait, it’s not worth it.

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