Love is Love and People are People

“It was like I was living alone in a dark closet my entire life and the door showed no signs of opening,” said Nick Palmer. Nick is a 21 and is now living on his own in Philadelphia. He was living with his parents in Chestnut Hill-that was until he decided to come out to his family.
The gay population in the United States is estimated to be 9 million or about 3.8 percent. Bisexuals make up about 1.8 percent of the population and transgender adults make up 0.3 percent of the population.
“I guess my mind knew I was gay years before my conscious did,” said Palmer. The constant fear of coming out to his family and friends was growing each day inside him. He was afraid of what people would think of him, if his friends and family would still like him and support him and his fear of being alone was his biggest of all.
Nick was 18 and in college when his parents found out Nick’s secret. “I decided to go to DC and take part in the Pride Parade with my other gay friends to have fun and for once in my life not be afraid of who I am,” said Palmer. Photos from the parade where posted on Facebook and unknowingly Nick was tagged in the photos.
People all over the world lie to themselves about who they are. They lie because they are afraid. They are afraid of being rejected by society, losing close friends and family and being beaten and harassed by people.
Nick’s friends on Facebook saw the pictures of Nick and his friends at the parade dress in costumes riding on floats. They decided it was a good idea to show their parents. Phone calls where made to Nick’s Mother.
Nick received a call immediately from his mother…
“I looked down at my phone and I saw my mother was calling and my heart sank,” said Palmer. Nick did not know what to do. Nick answered the phone and right away Nick’s mother said, “Where are you? Is this true? Are you gay?”
“It was supposed to be a day of fun and freedom and then it turned into my worst nightmare,” said Palmer. He looked around at the people at the parade and saw how happy and free they where. He thought to himself “I wanted to be free of my closet,” said Palmer.
Palmer said proudly to his mother on the phone “Yes it is all true and I am Gay.”
He thought this was great he was finally free. Nick’s mother remained silent for a few seconds and then responded, “Do not come home. How dare you embarrass your family? Do you know how hard it is going to be for your siblings and myself to say that you are gay?” said Nick’s mother.
“I did not know what to think. I looked at my phone as she was still talking and hit end call,” Palmer said. He was happy that the battle with himself was over but he was upset the battle with his family has begun.
Nick was living on his own for a little over a year but he said the time alone gave him the opportunity to grow and become a strong adult.
Nick’s mother and he spoke and she invited him to come back and live at home. She admitted she was wrong to have thrown him out of her life and home. But Nick proudly declined her offer. “I still loved you even though you didn’t love me, I’m glad I have you back now,” said Palmer.
“I have lived in a cage all my life and now I am free to love and be who I want to be. I love you but I would like to continue living on my own,” said Palmer. His mother agreed with him and told him that she will always be there for him.
Nick now has a loving boyfriend of almost two years and they both live together in Center City Philadelphia. “I look back on how I use to see myself and how I hated myself, but I look in the mirror today and I see a strong indented proud gay man. I would not wish for it any other way,” said Palmer.