You are wonderful the way you are.

Since I was a child, I felt ashamed for being gay. Despite being open about my identity for years, I was terrified of getting close to people because I thought they might reject me.

While our backgrounds may differ, if you feel ashamed or uncomfortable being who you are, I fully and completely understand where you are coming from. The day I started loving and accepting myself was when I learned that the only person you need approval from is yourself. No one else.