bullying

The Pride of Surviving My Youth
The Pride of Surviving My Youth
Who was it that said Pride is a celebration of having survived? I can certainly relate to that. I don't know who said it before Ryan did, but I'm processing Pride with new eyes and new appreciation this year, and hopefully for the rest of my life. Recognizing the blessing, even the miracle, that I'm still alive. Indeed, I could have died years ago because of my sexuality.
About that Gillette Commercial and Toxic Masculinity...
About that Gillette Commercial and Toxic Masculinity…
You might have heard there's a new Gillette commercial about "toxic masculinity." The commercial has garnered a lot of attention, both positive and negative. Since masculinity is a cornerstone topic in this community, we thought we'd enter the conversation, too. Did we like the Gillette commercial? Hate it? Want more of it? We had a conversation with several of our featured authors.
The Joys and Sorrows of Being an Introvert
I hated being the awkward, quiet introvert; I wanted to be like the energetic, chatty, extroverted kids. They always seemed to make a bajillion friends and were always the life of the party who people laughed at and enjoyed. I hated myself for not having charisma or speaking when it mattered. I thought something was wrong with me.
Why I Like "Queer Eye"
Why I Like “Queer Eye”
The vast majority of "Queer Eye" is not even addressing sex; it is addressing prejudice, shame, and loneliness. I have experienced shame, the idea that I am simply unlovable. I even believed for many years that God hated me, that God himself couldn’t even love me.
Starting My Teenage Double Life
Starting My Teenage Double Life
As my childhood entered a big transition phase, I started dealing with it through unhealthy self-reliance. This created a sort of double life.
When Self-Reliance Was My Norm
When Self-Reliance Was My Norm
I was honestly lonely then, but I pretended like I wasn't. Self-reliance unconsciously became my norm.
Real Men Don't Take Baths
Real Men Don’t Take Baths
"How could you take a bath?" The question seemed ludicrous to me. I walked a lot that day. I was tired. My legs were sore. The bath was hot. This guy is a genuinely nice guy who loves God. But he's bought into a delusional sense of masculinity based more on actions than identity.
Overwhelmed by My First Gay Feelings
Overwhelmed by My First Gay Feelings
My middle school years were some of my most difficult times. I started noticing other guys and growing overwhelmed by my first gay feelings.
My Older Brothers Abused Me
My Older Brothers Abused Me
From the earliest time I can remember until I was almost done with college, my two older brothers abused me verbally and emotionally.
Who I Am is Okay
Who I Am is Okay
I longed to be someone else. To not have to carry the burden of different. It was so heavy. I soon began to pursue perfection. Not because I wanted to, but because it was demanded of me.
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