L: uncensored

A wise drag queen once told me: 'Grrrl! You have too much baggage!' She saw me struggling with my bags through the crowd on Church Street as I was attempting t...o catch a 6 p.m. train back to Montreal - back to my closeted life. This was nearly 18 years ago. It was my first Pride in Toronto away from the prying eyes of family and childhood friends. I was 29 then. I knew I was gay. My friends were getting married, so the pressure was on to find a female mate, get married, have kids, get a respectable job and a house in the suburbs. I felt those expectations tighten like a noose around my neck. Baggage. We all have it. Some baggage is placed by peers and familial pressures that remind you daily that being straight is the norm. Coming out of the closet, depending on your background, can mean different things for different people. The common fear of rejection by both family and friends, the awkwardness around one's own sexuality and self hatred can hinder one's acceptance of their true selves. My advice to those struggling with their sexuality is to open the bags and throw the fears, self loathing and hatred away. Embrace your sexuality fully, explore, seek help and surround yourself with people who truly accept you for who you are. Never stop learning and challenging your own internalized dialogue of prejudices and self doubt. Will you always have baggage? Yes, we all do. But, by having an open mind, living a life full of self discovery, acceptance of others and being an ally and an advocate to those who are marginalized in our community, those bags get lighter. Remember the 2SLGBTQ+ community is vast and made up of individuals who simply want to be accepted for who they are. -- "My Story, My Pride" is a photo essay series that celebrates Pride Month by sharing the unique experiences of those in the LGBTQ+ community. #MyStoryMyPride