Congrats Chad!
I had a similar upbringing to yours. Grew Evangelical Christian, went to Baptist college, and served 6 years in the Army Reserves.
I fought being gay. Figured if I prayed hard enough god would take it away. If I witnessed hard enough god would take it away. None of those things happened.
I was actually outed by someone in my church at the age of 23. It was painful but freeing at the same time.
I finally realize I was happy with who I am. Now that I was out I was not going back in. Being closeted I was so worried that someone would find out. Then I would loose my standing in church and not be able to go on.
That happened but I dealt with it and moved on. The majority of my close friends stood behind me and are still friends to this day.
I had one friend that told me he could have nothing to do with me. That friendship is over. I don't have enemies but I do hold grudges. Friends come and go and you move on with your life.
My family dealt with it. It took Mom almost 13 years to deal with it. Step dad didn't really care. My sister still cares for me.
Comes down that you need to love & accept yourself 1st.
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