The most difficult part about sex is when you have to discuss who your partner is. While most men took pride in sharing their sexual encounters during college, I sat tight-lipped as I was scared to be boycotted or worst, stoned to death. Sleeping with men wasn’t natural for them.

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I first came to terms with my sexuality in the eighth grade, when I was ragged to kiss a boy and guess what? I enjoyed it. After that, things changed. I felt of out of place when I was out with my friends.

One fine day, I decided to break the silence. Considering I was 19 and my friends and I were in the last year of degree college, I assumed a certain amount of maturity and understanding. I called them over for a meal. Yes, a good meal was planned as I rather have them reacting angrily than hungrily.

Amidst all the vague conversations and aimless future planning, I finally mustered the courage and in one long breath yelled out, “I am gay. If you guys don’t like me, you are most welcome to leave.” Let’s face it--I can be quite the Carrie Bradshaw when it comes to being dramatic. There was pin-drop silence for a few minutes, and then one of my close female friends said, “Seriously? Good! I no longer have to put on my bra the next time you come home at night.”

While the girls seemed okay, the two boys in my group of six friends felt rather uncomfortable. It was pretty much evident from the look on their faces that they were now scared of me eyeing their crotches more than their face. Post my revelation, the distance maintained by them was understandable. On night out, I could no longer sleep in the same bed as them. As time passed, things changed and eventually they are all proud of me, and are happy to have a gay best friend.

As I say these things, I also believe that it is nothing gutsy to come out of the closet. What takes actual courage is to accept oneself as gay or lesbian. Yes, I did lose friends but I also made new ones who understood me better.

I am discreet about my sexuality to my family, but that in no way affects me. At times, it can be challenging when people speak about marriage, but if you are determined about not doing something, nothing can break your will.

One must open up to at least a few friends whom they trust. I am openly gay at work too. The thought “What if my family finds out?” does cross my mind, but there is always hope in the darkest of corners. And that hope is what we call friends. All you need to do is trust yourself and accept who you truly are, and the rest is smoother than skating on ice.

Caption: The writer is a media professional from Mumbai. He is a mix of Sarah Jessica Parker meets Chandler Bing meets Regina George