Coming Out Poem by Tashi Coote

i am trying hard not to kiss you
i am trying even harder to not be with you
 
i keep on covering my heart with lies
smothering it, i don't know why
 
i need to tell you that i am attracted to the same sex
will you think of me any less?
 
i need to free myself and find peace
i need to try and understand all of this
 
i just want to be accepted like anyone else
to be respected and not shadowed in doubt
 
i need to come out
even if it is to myself