Things I've learned in 15 years of out-ness.

I came out 15 years ago, at the age of 15. Not quite a boy, not quite a man, not quite sure of anything. These are a few things I find myself saying to the younger generation of gay boys and men, as well as those who are just newly out, regardless of age. It's also a list of things I wish I could tell my 15 year old self.You don't have to be a character or caricature.Closets are for clothes. So are labels.You're not hot to everyone and everyone's not hot to you.There are no varying levels of "gay".Speak up. It could save a life.Not everything bad that happens to you is intrinsically tied to your homosexuality.Choose your own kind of relationship, your own kind of reality, and people that fit it.