It’s only been 5 years since the words “I’m gay” finally left my mouth. It was the truth and the road to self-acceptance began by telling just that one special friend. It was when I accepted my identity as a gay man and reached my hand out that I finally found freedom. I escaped from the mental prison that the closet was and felt the comfort of a home with the people who mattered. Coming out of the closet as gay was the hardest thing I ever did in my life, but it was also one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.