The Importance of LGBT Role Models

[Shana A]

The Importance of LGBT Role Models

Filed By Drew Cordes | November 15, 2012 10:30 AM

http://www.bilerico.com/2012/11/the_importance_of_lgbt_role_models.php

I spent a lot of time on the Internet as a kid -- looking at the personal pages of gay people, reading coming out stories, chatting and IMing with other (often older) queers. I realize now that I was looking for role models. People like me. Someone who made it through what I was going through, or was currently going through it too, and could maybe give me some advice, or even just inspiration. Someone about whom I could think

    I wouldn't mind growing up to be like them. They actually seem pretty cool and successful and happy.

In the past few years of my life, particularly in the past few months, I've started becoming aware of just how important it is to have role models in one's life, especially when young.

Merely 15 years ago, when I was 15 years old, there were not many people I could look to. I knew I was not straight, I knew I wanted to be a girl, and I hated myself for both of these things.