My friend Marc connected me with a young man in his mid-30’s who is in the closet and is struggling on what to do. Amazingly, Marc bought my book and sent it directly to the young man so that he can read about another ‘late bloomer’ coming out story.
The Journey
His journey is just starting – he’s afraid to tell his parents about his sexuality and has no gay friends or support network…yet.
I gave him my phone number and we chatted for the first time about ninety minutes and I loved every minute of it. He is SO scared, alone, and unsure right now and I’m so glad that I can mentor him. I vividly recall when I had no one to share my innermost thoughts and concerns. Young Peter would have loved if he met current Peter when he was contemplating a big life decision.
Find Support
The first thing I recommended for him is to find a therapist. I don’t know his background or family of origin issues, but I’m 99.9% certain that he needs people who can support him, listen to him without judgment and most importantly, build up his confidence.
He’s in the same boat that I was around 11-12 years ago. I didn’t ‘know how to be gay.’ I know that sounds like it’s some type of audition or training, but it’s more about understanding the culture and how to find people who are like you and make friends that have common interests, like kissing boys. 😊
I’m proud of him and can’t wait to watch him blossom as he becomes the man he was meant to be. I’m happy for him that he’s on his journey to authentic happiness. I’m even more happy that he will start loving / not hating himself.
Peter Leahy
A self-proclaimed “ideas guy,” I’ve worked in marketing for over twenty-five years. After years of sadness, emptiness and self-loathing, I finally came out of the closet in 2013 and reinvented myself. Now happily married to my husband for over two years, we live in California with our Chihuahua Felicia, the queen of our household.
