Coming Out..

The recent suicides of several gay kids has really gotten me thinking about my life and choices I've made to stay silent. I've wasted so much time worrying about what other people will think if I make certain declarations about my opinions on certain subjects. I've chosen to remain silent about certain things out of respect for family, friends and fans. However, I now feel it is selfish of me to live a closeted life while there are those that took their lives because they feared being bullied for who God made them.

I was severely bullied from 5th grade all the way to high school. Having attended a private Christian college I faced much adversity simply for being the outgoing, expressive person God created me to be. I've been the subject of torment and religious persecution at the hands of men who considered themselves righteous simply for standing behind a pulpit. For more than 20 years, I've been bullied in some way shape or form based on the assumption that I was gay. And once I was honest with my tormentors, the bullying got worse. I have attempted suicide several times but thankfully, never succeeded.

It hasn't all been bad though. It's just time to live my life fully in the truth of who I feel God has made me. I'm gay, ya'll. Love it or hate it, it won't change it! Just know that I am and will always be just Leo. The same fun-loving guy that believes in God and has faith that one day all things will work together for good for those that love the Lord, regardless of age, race, gender and sexual orientation. I love you guys and God bless.