My coming out story isn't as interesting as I would like it to be. I came out to a select few friends over a Snapchat group chat. Before I launch into the story, at the time I came out as bisexual. I am now Pansexual and non-binary, and I will also share my experience figuring myself out.

It was a calm Thursday evening when I decided it was time. I was messaging my friends on Snapchat when both me and another friend asked if we could tell them something. They of course didn't mind. Me and her both then came out as bisexual. Now, I was kind of having a panic attack not sure of what entirely they would say. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that, they didn't care.

After that I began learning more about the lgbt community, and became a very big activist for it. It was about a year later when I realized what pansexuality was. As it turned out, I felt much more comfortable identifying as Pansexual.

It was also around that time that I began having gender dysphoria. Now I didn't know exactly what it was and I was too scared to call myself trans, so I identified as gender-fluid. This identity ended up lasting until a few months ago, when I realized that it didn't really, make sense.

I began hearing a lot of opinions about pansexuality and people saying it's bi and transphobic, and people saying gender-fluidity wasn't real.

I began getting harassed because of my sexual and gender identity, and I began to hate what I was. That's when I learned more about what non-binary was. It took me a long time to fully accept that, maybe, just maybe; I might be non-binary. Now keep in mind I was still feeling deep hatred for being lgbt, to the point where I wish I hadn't even been born.

That's when I met my friends, we'll call them Cam. Now, Cam is agender. They helped me realize that, being lgbt isn't wrong. They showed me how many animals are gay, how fish can change gender if they need too, and it inspired me to finally figure myself out.

So I did some research, and learned fairly quickly that I was actually non-binary. Changing identity for me was scary and heartbreaking, but I finally had the guts to do it.

I am still Pansexual, and continue to be harassed for it, but I am also non-binary. Just a couple days ago, as I'm sure most know, Dan Howell released a video titled, "Basically I'm Gay", and he goes into detail about his journey, and it helped me so much. It made me realize that no matter what, I can't give up. I have to let go of this self hatred and finally, accept the truth. I am lgbt, and it isn't wrong.

To anyone out there struggling, I can promise you that you WILL eventually find yourself. It may take a long time, but you can do it. The internet may be scary, but you will find people that can help you find yourself. Just remember that it's never wrong to experiment with labels until you find the right one, and don't EVER let someone tell you who you are. Happy Pride Month to all, and blessed be. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈