Dan Savage poignant "It Gets Better Campaign" came about because of a grim reality regarding how marginalized gay and lesbian kids feel and the bullying that further isolates them. This past weekend, I was reminded of the happier side of Dan Savage's campaign - the part that addresses "The Better"...There is a young man (18 years old to be exact) who lives in my complex. At first glance he looks like a tough city kid. His Boston accent, stocky build which mimics his gigantic father and cigarette permanently hanging from his lips makes him look anything like his friendly, easy-going personality. This kid (let's call him Adam), comes from a solid blue collar, take no crap kind of family. We've been neighbors for a few years now and while I don't know his whole story, I do know that he's gay.
As far as I was aware, he was closeted (maybe he still is). However, the other day he told me with quite a bit of pride that his boyfriend was coming to visit him. I was happy for him and told him so, but it wasn't until I saw him later this weekend that I realized how happy. On Sunday afternoon as my partner and I were driving through the courtyard we looked up and saw Adam with a friend. When Adam recognized us he lit up and started shouting as loud as he could pointing to the other young man. "This is Him!" I think he must have said it 2-3 more times at the top of his lungs. He was so excited and proud. And seeing this young, tough-kid from Boston all excited to be with his boyfriend and be shouting it for all the world to hear made me think you know what Dan Savage is right, it does get better. And if you're lucky like Adam - you don't have to wait that long to realize it.
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