>>39590492I'm neither proud nor ashamed, it's just something that is. That said, it took a lot of internal work to deeply accept that it's who I am and that God made me exactly how he wanted me, still loves me and isn't expecting me to live a life of loneliness simply because I love men, not women. I thought I accepted my sexuality 15 years ago when I was a teenager, but really it's only just recently that I deeply accept it in this way. I can confidently say I'm proud of myself for overcoming that internal obstacle, coming out stronger, happier and more peaceful on the other side and not letting it make me cynical, jaded or spiteful towards others. It's done quite the opposite, in fact- it's the various aspects of myself that have made me an outsider that spurred me to become so understanding and caring for others. Life would be so much easier if I didn't have to struggle to accept myself, but I wouldn't have become who I am today without that internal conflict. So I'm glad I went through it. Many others don't have the opportunity for this kind of growth because they never have to question who or what they are and be forced to forge their own path forward like this.
