We’re asking the questions to increase awareness and understanding of the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month. Here’s Angie’s story and what she wants you to know…

1. How old were you when you started questioning who you were?

I didn’t really put much thought into who I was growing up. I was an athletic, active person, truly in love and consumed by the sports I played. I ran in a lot of different social circles and never spent much time noticing the differences of anyone (male, female, etc.), the point never occurred to me to be significant until I decided one day in my junior year to try and see if a friendship with a teammate was something more… and it was.

2. How old were you when you came out?

Coming out is a slow process. I was 18 when I was with my first girlfriend; it was not public knowledge to most of my friends in school. And being raised my whole life in a strict Catholic family, it took a few years of courage to build up before I came out to my family one- by- one.

3. How did you come out?

I was in class one day and just took a piece of paper out and wrote a small note explaining who I really was and all the feelings I had kept inside. I could never bring myself back then to say the words out loud – I needed to write it down.

4. How did you know?

When I kissed my first girlfriend. She was my first love, and at the time I thought she was my true love. Once we broke up, I grew depressed and questioning. I decided I needed to figure out what my true identity was, learning very quickly that I truly only held romantic feelings in my heart for women. 

5. Who did you come out to first?

I went to visit my grandma after school the day I had written the note in class, I handed her the note. As she read it she cried and hugged me. 

6. What was the hardest part about coming out?

Coming out to my family was the hardest part. Being raised in a strict catholic family manifested fears inside me for so long. What if they don’t accept me? What will happen? 

7. What was the easiest part? Was there an easy part?

The easiest part was after I had written the note, I felt like I could tell anyone. Even though each person in my life learned my identity at different times, it felt so good that nothing was weighing me down.

8. How did your family and/or friends react? 

For the most part my family welcomed me with open arms. I came home after visiting my grandma to tell my dad and my stepmother; the note was handed to them – my stepmom said she knew the whole time and was just waiting for me to come out on my own. My dad hugged me, saying he loved me no matter what. My youngest brother was very angry at first – he didn’t like the idea of me being with the same sex because we were raised to think it was wrong. I am grateful to have always kept a circle of friends around me that show me endless support throughout my journey. 

9. Who is your biggest supporter? 

My best friend Rachel – by far. She’s been the most constant, supportive person in my life since the 3rd grade. She would love me no matter who I chose to be and I believe to this day that she is the reason I have the confidence to be who I am. When you have a friend that will defend you against bullies, save you when you fall down, and never waiver their loyalty through the tough times – it makes all the difference in the world when you come out. 

10. What does Pride Month mean to you?

Pride Month means celebrating the freedom and acceptance in who you are. For those out there who are not quite there yet in their journey, we are here to celebrate how far you’ve come, love you and encourage you. For those who don’t get it, we offer you a community to learn from. We hope to spread how to love people with open hearts. Have pride in yourself no matter how you identify – It’s Pride.