You Don't Have to Fit In

When I was a young boy, all I wanted to do is fit in with the rest of the kids in town and at school. I basically just wanted to be like everyone else and not stand out as different.

I was a Hispanic person living in a white neighborhood and going to a white school. There weren't any other people like me around. I also felt different than the other kids in other ways, but I'd discover why later on in my teens when I realized I was gay.

Because I was different, I was teased and bullied for years. I wished I was "just like everyone else" because I just wanted the bullying to stop.

Boy, have the times changed though since then, for me and for a lot of people in the world. Nowadays, there's more of an embracing of people who stand out in the crowd. This evolution and change in attitudes has helped me to really enjoy being unique and not just like everyone else.

I don't feel the need to blend in any more. I like being me, I don't repress myself and I don't pretend to be anyone I'm not. I surround myself with others who appreciate uniqueness and who let people be who they want to be.

Although it's overall easier nowadays to be different, there are still segments of the world and even in our own country where being different is not always easy. It can still really be difficult.

Thankfully, even though the level of acceptance can fluctuate back and forth at times, or vary by geographic region, it tends to keep increasing overall as time go by.

It's important to keep in mind that many times fear and/ or insecurities are the reason why a person may bully or mistreat a person they perceive as different. Many times, jealousy is also a culprit. 

It does take strength and courage to totally be yourself and to allow yourself to be different. It also takes time to feel comfortable with not fitting in and being like everyone else.

Just remember though that people who are both unique and confident in themselves can make positive changes in people's opinions and in society. They can change stereotypes and increase awareness.

When you are true to yourself your confidence will follow. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how people will notice that, respect you and gather around you.