I was in 6th grade when...

I realised I was attracted to the same sex. I didn't think much of it but chose purposely to not pay any attention to it because it would become too big of a label in high school. I wanted to come out because I knew I wouldn't be able to fully live my life the way I wanted if I didn't tell anyone or, even worse, force myself to become straight. One of my fears was thinking that being openly gay would become a characteristic trait of mine for others. That people would think of me as 'that gay guy'. Sometimes I tried to avoid things that were stereotypically gay, because I didn't want to be seen as a 'sissy boy'. However, now I realised actually no one cares so I should just do what I want to do.

Another fear I had...

was not being able to pass my bloodline. But as I got older I realized that bloodlines are kind of bullshit. You and your homophobic uncle are related, but are probably nothing alike, right? I came out to people I trusted the most at first and as soon as I started studying at TU Delft I told every new person I met. It was like a new start for me. It took a while before I told my parents. I know it’s not what they initially expected or even wanted but they know I'm old enough to make my own decisions and that I don't need their approval for my sexual orientation so they are fine with it. They love me equally as much!

What I would like to pass on to people who haven’t come out is...

Live the way you want to live. Don't be afraid that people won't approve of you because you don't need their approval (even your parents).  Especially those who will judge you for being just you. This isn't high school. You're at a stage in your life where you're going to meet a lot of new people so why not present the version of you that you always wanted to present? Real ones stick by and people who judge you for coming out weren't friends to begin with, so they can just fuck right off. Being gay absolutely does not hinder or affect my student life. In terms of just studying not even a bit. Who would have thought that studying and being gay had little to no correlation? Well, everyone who has at least 4 brain cells. The only thing that it affected was that I felt more free and am able to do things I've always wanted to do so I don't regret shit when I get older.