It’s hard to admit this, but as a dad, I carry a secret that no one in my personal life knows, i'm bi, and I've been with men. Growing up, I was raised in an environment that made me believe that being anything other than straight was wrong, and that has deeply shaped how I feel about myself today. I’ve internalized so much shame that, even though I know better now, it’s still incredibly hard to shake.

Every day, I wear a mask, hiding who I truly am because I'm afraid of what people might think or say if they really knew me. I've learned to act a certain way, talk a certain way, and keep any hint of my real self buried deep inside. It’s exhausting to pretend, to feel like I have to be someone else just to fit in with the expectations placed on me. The only time I ever feel truly free is when I'm online, where I can express myself without worrying about judgment. The acceptance I find there helps me feel more whole and... dare I say, normal.

I just wish I could bring that sense of freedom into the rest of my life. I wish I could let go of the fear, the negativity, the guilt, and the shame that have held me back. I want to feel comfortable in my own skin and live more authentically, but I don’t know how. Maybe it’s a slow process, maybe it’s a matter of courage, but right now it still feels like such a distant dream.