My experience Coming Out via a viral article; and other lessons I keep relearning.

Me, the author. Still Bi as hell.

I sat back and watched my first Medium article ferry deep into the interwebs. I could be validated for being authentic or vilified for being different. If someone — just one person — saw my story of how I found the strength to rise and live authentically, I’d level up in this life.

That’s what I told myself, at least.

I glued my phone to my hand for the next 72 hours and feverishly scavenged for new Facebook comments like an addict searching for his next hit. I had unknowingly bet my self-worth and happiness on this Medium article.

I found a Facebook group dedicated to supporting ‘Real Men,’ 60,000 members strong. I thought someone might be seeking the support I was once so desperate to find, and I thought it akin to providing a lifeline to my former self when I was at my worst. I posted and waited. Within seconds, the first comments:

“Trying to get claps and attention for announcing sexuality…. its’ not courageous, it doesn’t make you a hero, it’s your sexual orientation. Congratulations, it wasn’t your choice and it’s no one’s business to begin with.”